Grant Elliott earns a recall to New Zealand's World Cup 2015 squad; Jimmy Neesham dropped

Grant Elliott last played an ODI, against Sri Lanka, in November 2013

New Zealand have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming 2015 Cricket World Cup. All-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been dropped from the side along with fast bowler Matt Henry, while big-hitting Grant Elliott, who last his represented his country in coloured clothing in November 2013, has earned a recall.

Hesson claims Elliott is a different batsman in supportive conditions

Elliott’s inclusion can be termed as a surprise, but he has shown some terrific form in the domestic circuit of late, and as coach Mike Hesson said while announcing the team, will give them a good cover for their middle order. On the 35-year-old’s inclusion, Hesson said: "Our batting unit has good depth and Grant's inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order. He brings a lot of experience and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent."

He added: "There were some hard decisions to make, but we're pleased with the overall 15 we've chosen. A lot of bowlers have performed brilliantly for us over the past couple of seasons, which certainly made it difficult, but we think we have the right mix.”

Elliott, who is the season’s leading run-getter for his state side Wellington scoring 193 runs in four games at 48.25, was recently in the news for countering Andy Ellis’ death bowling with a unique batting style. Here is the video:

Squad looks well-round

Senior left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, who has only played 17 ODIs in the last 4 years, has also been named, as expected, and will the shoulder the spin bowling responsibility with off-spinner Nathan McCullum. The fast bowling duties will rest on the able hands of Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenghan, giving them company will be Test regular Trent Boult, the experienced Kyle Mills and Adam Milne, a tearaway quick.

The batting department boasts of the likes of captain Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson. Corey Anderson will have a key role to play with both bat and ball. Tom Latham has been taken as a backup wicket-keeper to Luke Ronchi.

New Zealand will play the first game of the 2015 World Cup, against Sri Lanka, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 14.

Squad: Brendon McCullum (capt), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson, Tim Southee, Luke Ronchi (WK), Ross Taylor