How, Woodcock named in NZ World Cup squad

All-rounder Luke Woodcock and top-order batsman Jamie How were surprise inclusions in New Zealand's 15-man World Cup squad on Wednesday.

Left-arm spinner Woodcock made his international debut in a recent Twenty20 match against Pakistan, while How was brought back into the national set-up for their tour of India late last year after an absence of two years.

All-rounder Jacob Oram and pace bowler Hamish Bennett have also been named in the squad after being sidelined with injury.

New Zealand have been drawn in Group A against Kenya, Australia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Canada and Sri Lanka for the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament.

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