BLACKCAPS announce 15-man squad for ICC Cricket World Cup 2011

New Zealand Cricket today announced the 15-man squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Daniel Vettori (c) – Northern Knights
Hamish Bennett – Canterbury Wizards
James Franklin – Wellington Firebirds
Martin Guptill – Auckland Aces
Jamie How – Central Stags
Brendon McCullum – Otago Volts
Nathan McCullum – Otago Volts
Kyle Mills – Auckland Aces
Jacob Oram – Central Stags
Jesse Ryder – Wellington Firebirds
Tim Southee – Northern Knights
Scott Styris – Northern Knights
Ross Taylor – Central Stags
Kane Williamson – Northern Knights
Luke Woodcock – Wellington Firebirds

Selector Mark Greatbatch said: “The squad has an experienced core with James Franklin, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori all taking part in the 2007 World Cup.

“It’s great to see the bowling attack bolstered by the return of Jacob Oram and Hamish Bennett who have both been sidelined with injury. Jacob has been a key performer for the BLACKCAPS over a number of years and his experience will be invaluable at the World Cup. Hamish made a good start to his one-day career and deserves the opportunity now that he is fully fit.

“Luke Woodcock has worked hard for his chance after forging an impressive record with Wellington over a number of years. He has a good head on his shoulders and his selection provides the option of playing three spinners which could be useful in the sub-continent.

“We have kept faith with the bulk of the team which played the five match ODI series in India and believe that, despite recent one-day form, the squad is very capable and owe it to themselves and the New Zealand fans to put in a huge performance at the World Cup.”

A 12-man squad will be named for the first two matches of The National Bank ODI series and the squad members not selected will play in the domestic Men’s One-Day competition.