Eighteen-year-old fast bowler Adam Milne is among six uncapped players who have been included in New Zealand's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2011 World Cup. Jacob Oram, who is considering calling time on his injury-ridden career if he cannot make the cut for the big event, has also been picked.
Dean Brownlie and Luke Woodcock, who along with Milne got their first international call-ups for the Twenty20s against Pakistan, also find a place in the side. Canterbury's Rob Nicol and Central Districts' Doug Bracewell - nephew of former New Zealand player and coach John Bracewell - are the other new faces in the list, along with wicketkeeper Reece Young, who has replaced Gareth Hopkins for the Tests against Pakistan. Hopkins, who struggled through the India tour in both the Tests and one-dayers, failed to make the cut for the World Cup as well.
"A number of uncapped guys who have excelled domestically made the squad," chief selector Mark Greatbatch said. "We believe it represents the best one-day cricketers we have in New Zealand. There is genuine competition for places as we look to select final 15 for the World Cup and that's exciting."
The squad will be reduced to 15 players by January 19.
Squad: Brent Arnel, Hamish Bennett, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Ian Butler Grant Elliott, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Andy McKay, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Shanan Stewart, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock, Reece Young