WELLINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - New Zealand named a highly experienced squad on Thursday for next month's women's World Cup in Canada, with just one new cap in the 23-player lineup.
Chicago-based defender Abby Erceg will captain the squad, which includes 15 players who competed at the 2011 World Cup in Germany and seven who are making their third straight World Cup appearance.
Twelve members of the "football ferns" have earned more than 50 caps while the only debutant is goalkeeper Cushla Lichtwark, a former netballer.
"Raising the experience of the players has been a massive part of our planning," New Zealand coach Tony Reading said in a statement.