Veteran allrounder Grant Elliot has been named in New Zealand's squad for next month's ICC Cricket World Cup, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson has revealed. 
Elliot, 35, last played an ODI in November 2013, while veteran spinner Daniel Vettori, who played just three one-day internationals between the 2011 World Cup and last October, will play in his fourth tournament. 
Vettori returned to the ODI team in October after a 15-month absence.
Quick Adam Milne - who clocked up deliveries in excess of 150km/h against Pakistan - claimed the final bowling spot, edging out Matt Henry, while young allrounder Jimmy Neesham also missed out.
Hesson said the selectors' focus in picking their squad had focused on finding the right balance.
"There were some hard decisions to make, but we're pleased with the overall 15 we've chosen," he said.
"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 has played 51 ODIs for New Zealand since 2008, has averaged just under 30 with the bat and has an economy rate of less than five runs per over with the ball.
Hesson said the Wellington allrounder's experience would be important for the Black Caps, who open their campaign against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on February 14.
"Our batting unit has good depth and Grant's inclusion assures us strong cover in the middle order," Hesson said.
"He brings a lot of experience, and his record in New Zealand and Australia conditions is excellent."
Despite a match-winning 5-30 in the series-deciding ODI in the United Arab Emirates, Henry was overlooked for the experience of Kyle Mills, who left the tour early with a groin injury.
The 35-year-old has recovered in time to win the nod, his 167 matches counting in his favour.
Neesham topped the Black Caps' bowling averages in the just completed Test series victory with figures of 6-99 and his batting average of 39.7 was fourth best after Kane Williamson, BJ Watling and Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Kane Williamson.