WELLINGTON, MARCH 31: New Zealand named its 15-man squad for cricket's World Cup today with a degree of hope after they completed their home summer season with a 3-2 loss in the One-Day series against a powerful South African line-up.Earlier in the season they drew 2-2 with India and while beating India 1-0 in the Test series and losing to South Africa by the same margin, they showed enough form to indicate they cannot be taken lightly at the World Cup starting in England in May.The only minor surprise in the squad was the inclusion of Matthew Hart, who has not played for New Zealand since 1996. He will back up Daniel Vettori, also a left-arm spinner.Fast bowler Carl Bulfin, who in his two games against South Africa was so expensive he only completed half his allotted overs, was also included.``He offers something different and while he may not have bowled up to his or our expectations, he's got pace and the ability to bounce the ball,'' convenor of selectors Ross Dykes said.But Bulfin'sselection indicates an element of desperation for New Zealand, that the bowling and other problems in the team make-up were not resolved during the long home season.Foremost among these has been injury problems and this year a plague of injuries that has beset the team has, if anything, been as bad as ever.New Zealand are affected more than most countries because of the lack of playing depth.Injuries to key players such as captain Stephen Fleming, all-rounder Chris Cairns and the talented batsman Craig McMillan affected the performance.The loss of Cairns for much of the summer to a hamstring injury greatly upset the balance of the team. New Zealand's Cup chances would take a dive if he fails to regain fitness.Other problems remain. They have not settled on an opening batting combination and New Zealand invariably lost early wickets. Experienced opener Bryan Young, who was used against the South Africans, was not included in the team.Nathan Astle apart, none of the New Zealand batsmen provedcapable of making big scores. Most were unable to cure their habit of getting out when well set.Serious problems also remain with the bowlers. Left-arm paceman Geoff Allott proved he could take early wickets but he also gave away runs at the rate of about five an over and there was no wicket-taking support from the other end.Simon Doull failed to replicate his Test form in the One-Day arena and others such as Bulfin proved expensive.Vettori also often failed to restrain the batsmen and New Zealand still rely on medium-pacers Gavin Larsen, Chris Harris and Astle, who contain batsmen but lack penetration.Even the wicketkeeping department remains problematic with Adam Parore mostly out of form with the bat and keeping indifferently.One area where New Zealand excelled in its home series was in fielding.They matched the renowned fielding of the South African team, hit the wickets with a high percentage of throws and took some mind-boggling catches.New Zealand coach Steve Rixon rated NewZealand's Cup preparation against South Africa as first rate.``I believe South Africa will be one of the two favourites in the World Cup,'' he said.Team: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Matt Horne, Craig McMillan, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Adam Parore, Chris Harris, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Matthew Hart, Simon Doull, Gavin Larsen, Carl Bulfin and Geoff Allott.
