Uncapped top order batsmen George Worker and Anaru Kitchen are the only new faces in a New Zealand cricket squad to prepare for the Twenty20 World Cup later this year.

A preliminary list of 30 names was released on Wednesday by New Zealand Cricket for the tournament in Sri Lanka in September and October.

Worker, a left-handed opener and left-arm spinner, is part of the winter development programme which forced the 22-year-old Canterbury Wizard to turn down a chance to play for Scotland as their overseas professional.

Kitchen, 28, has a first-class average of 38.40 since making his debut for Auckland in 2009.

Among the other names is former captain Daniel Vettori who came out of T20 international retirement last month to make himself available for the World Cup.

Ross Taylor has been named skipper for the tournament which begins on September 18.

New Zealand have been drawn in a group with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The top two sides in each group qualify for the knockout stage.

“It’s a well-balanced squad with a number of proven performers, giving us plenty of options ahead of final squad selection,” said national selection manager Kim Littlejohn.

The squad will be cut to 15 by August 18.

Meanwhile, former internationals Nicola Browne and Sophie Devine have been included in a preliminary 28-strong White Ferns squad for their tournament.

Bowler Browne retired last August before going back on her decision seven months later and allrounder Devine took time away from the game in an unsuccessful bid to make the New Zealand women’s hockey team for the Olympics.

The side, to be reduced to 14 by August 25, will be led by Suzie Bates.