Kiwi Woodcock bides time

Desperate Luke Woodcock is waiting his turn to make his World Cup debut after being overlooked by New Zealand for their league games so far.

The bowler appeared to have the best chance to get a look-in on Sunday against Canada after skipper and fellow left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori was ruled out the game with an injured knee.

But the Kiwi team management decided to pick an extra seamer instead.

"I am chipping away the best I can," said Woodcock, who turns 29 on Saturday.

"I'm working pretty hard on my training. I think I was pretty close to getting into the team until it was decided to play an extra seamer. It wasn't to be the way it was."

"I got pretty close to it and will continue to work hard in case my name comes up for selection."

This is the first overseas tour with the Black Caps for the left-armer, who has played just two one-day internationals, against Pakistan at home.

With spinners striking it rich on the slow sub-continental wickets in the tournament, Woodcock's wait may end sooner than later, especially now that the Kiwis have made it to the quarter-finals from Group A.

"Obviously it would be nice to get out there in the middle," Woodcock said. "Spinners are playing a big part in the tournament. I have to give myself the best chance I can to get myself selected into the team."

New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in their last league game on Friday and the result will decide where they finish in the group.

Woodcock said the team were focusing only on the match at hand and not looking at the knockouts yet.

"We are just worried about the game. We have to get through in our group first and finish in a good position. We are being quiet on it at the moment."

New Zealand are currently on top of the pool with eight points after wins against Kenya, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Canada and the only defeat against holders Australia.