Latham, Elliot Named in Blackcaps WC Squad

Wellington: The Blackcaps have today announced their squad of 15 players for the ICC Cricket World Cup to be held in New Zealand over February and March.

Allrounder Grant Elliott has been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the World Cup. He has not played an ODI since November 2013.

Jimmy Neesham was left out of the 15, the most high-profile omission.

Kiwis' coach Mike Hesson announced the squad at Hagley Oval at 5pm this afternoon.

Hesson said that it was all about finding the right balance.

"There were some hard decisions to make, but we’re pleased with the overall 15 we've chosen," said Hesson.

"A lot of bowlers have performed brilliantly for us over the past couple of seasons, which certainly made it difficult, but we think we have the right mix.

"Our batting unit has good depth and 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.

New Zealand first match of the tournament is against Sri Lanka on 14 February at Hagley Oval. The two teams are placed in Pool A, alongside Australia, England, Scotland, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

New Zealand 15-member squad for ICC World Cup:
Brendon McCullum (captain) - Otago Volts
Corey Anderson - Northern Knights
Trent Boult - Northern Knights
Grant Elliott - Wellington Firebirds
Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces
Tom Latham - Canterbury
Mitchell McClenaghan -- Auckland Aces
Nathan McCullum - Otago Volts
Kyle Mills - Auckland Aces
Adam Milne - Central Stags
Luke Ronchi (wicketkeeper) - Wellington Firebirds
Tim Southee - Northern Knights
Ross Taylor - Central Stags
Dan Vettori - Northern Knights
Kane Williamson - Northern Knights

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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