CHRISTCHURCH, Jan 2: Ace all-rounders Chris Cairns and Chris Harris were named on Thursday in a 15-member New Zealand squad for the World Cup cricket tournament, starting in South Africa next month.

The seasoned pair missed a recent two-Test series against India and then the first three one-dayers of the ongoing seven-match series due to injuries.

Chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee said experience was the main criteria for picking the squad for the “high-pressure” tournament.

“The World Cup is a high-pressure environment and we have chosen some players, despite their recent lack of form, who we believe have the class and experience to step up,” said Hadlee.

“The recent injuries to some players, a lack of form from others and a series of relatively easy wins have made the final selection a lot more difficult. The selectors ended up going with experience.

They have packed their squad with all-rounders as Andre Adams and Scott Styris were also named after missing the first three one-dayers against Saurav Ganguly’s Indian team.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Lou Vincent, Daniel Vettori.—AFP