The final 15: New Zealand name World Cup squad
The in-form co-hosts will be one of the teams to watch.
The in-form co-hosts will be one of the teams to watch. PHOTO: AFp
WELLINGTON:
All-rounder Grant Elliott has been recalled to the New Zealand one-day side after 14 months as the surprise inclusion in their World Cup squad announced yesterday.
His inclusion came at the expense of James Neesham who performed well in the Test series against Sri Lanka, which New Zealand won by 2-0.
Rising speedster Adam Milne won the fifth paceman’s slot over Matt Henry in the line-up which features veteran spinner Daniel Vettori, selected for his fifth World Cup, and seven members of the successful Test squad.
Elliot’s recall appears to be recognition of an impressive season of domestic cricket, especially with the bat.
“Grant’s inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order. He brings a lot of experience and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent,” said coach Mike Hesson.
The bowling unit is spearheaded by new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult, and is backed by Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne.
Milne was preferred over Henry because of his ability to intimidate with deliveries consistently over 150 kilometres per hour, although he does not have impressive wicket-taking figures.
Captain Brendon McCullum is expected to open the batting with Martin Guptill, while Test opener Tom Latham will move to the middle-order and also provide back-up for wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.
New Zealand squad
Brendon McCullum (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2015.
All-rounder Grant Elliott has been recalled to the New Zealand one-day side after 14 months as the surprise inclusion in their World Cup squad announced yesterday.
His inclusion came at the expense of James Neesham who performed well in the Test series against Sri Lanka, which New Zealand won by 2-0.
Rising speedster Adam Milne won the fifth paceman’s slot over Matt Henry in the line-up which features veteran spinner Daniel Vettori, selected for his fifth World Cup, and seven members of the successful Test squad.
Elliot’s recall appears to be recognition of an impressive season of domestic cricket, especially with the bat.
“Grant’s inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order. He brings a lot of experience and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent,” said coach Mike Hesson.
The bowling unit is spearheaded by new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult, and is backed by Kyle Mills, Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne.
Milne was preferred over Henry because of his ability to intimidate with deliveries consistently over 150 kilometres per hour, although he does not have impressive wicket-taking figures.
Captain Brendon McCullum is expected to open the batting with Martin Guptill, while Test opener Tom Latham will move to the middle-order and also provide back-up for wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi.
New Zealand squad
Brendon McCullum (c), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2015.