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Uncapped Woodcock Surprise Selection in New Zealand World Cup squad


New Zealand Cricket Board declared 15-man squad for the World Cup 2011 including uncapped allrounder Luke Woodcock.


Woodcock made his international debut against Pakistan in the recent Twenty20 series. He showed good performance in the domestic One Day match. His average 26.00 with the bat and 20.00 with his left-arm spin.


Daniel Vettori will be the captain of World Cup team. Woodcock, Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum will be three spinners for World Cup match.


"Luke Woodcock has worked hard for his chance after forging an impressive record with Wellington over a number of years," Greatbatch, New Zealand's head selector said. "He has a good head on his shoulders and his selection provides the option of playing three spinners, which could be useful in the subcontinent."


Allrounder Jacob Oram also selected for World Cup squad. Oram has been suffering from injury throughout his career. He played his last match in Sri Lanka in August 2010. His big hitting and medium pace made himselecting for World Cup squad.


Hamish Bennett, the 23-year-old fast bowler, also returned from injury.


"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," Mark Greatbatch said. "Jacob has been a key performer 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."


New Zealans will play 6 ODI matches against Pakistan after the test series.


World Cup Squad: 


Daniel Vettori(cap.), Hamish Bennett, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock.