New Zealand include seven rookies among World Cup probables

WELLINGTON - In their bid to end an 11-match losing streak, New Zealand have infused some yong blood in the One-day team by inlcuding seven rookies among the 30 probables for next year’s cricket World Cup.

The greenhorns in the side are Brent Arnel, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Adam Milne, Rob Nicol, Luke Woodcock and Reece Young.

This comes after former Test captain and opening batsman John Wright took over as head coach from Mark Greatbacth, now the chief selector, after the team suffered humiliating ODI losses in India and Bangladesh.

Greatbatch said the squad, which will be cut to half January, has the potential to be competitive and has the potential to play some good cricket at the World Cup. The tournament starts February 19, 2011 and will be co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“The uncapped guys have excelled domestically and made the squad. The squad represents the best One-day cricketers we have in New Zealand,” said Greatbatch

“There is genuine competition for places as we look to select the final 15 for the World Cup and that’s exciting.”

Young, a wicketkeeper, has replaced Gareth Hopkins in New Zealand’s 13-man Test squad for the two-Test home series against Pakistan in January 2011.

Captain Daniel Vettori will miss the lone Twenty20 match with a back injury while Brendan McCullum has been named despite fitness concerns. Ross Taylor will captain the Twenty20 squad.

Greatbatch said the New Zealand board was concerned about the fitness of Vettori and McCullum.

“Brendon will undergo fitness testing later this week and we will take a call closer to the start of the match. Daniel Vettori is making good progress but the back issue requires ongoing management,” he said.

World Cup probables: 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, Bradley-John Watling, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock, Reece Young

Series against Pakistan:

Test squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Brent Arnel, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Andy McKay, Tim McIntosh, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Reece Young.

Twenty20 squad: Ross Taylor (captain), Dean Brownlie, Ian Butler, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Peter McGlashan, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Luke Woodcock.