Gillespie has impressed for New Zealand A

Gillespie has been added to beef up the attack in the absence of Michael Mason, while other bowlers are struggling.

Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond and Jacob Oram have all just recovered from injuries and all-rounder Scott Styris has a back problem.

"This is the strongest squad we can put together for what is a major tournament," said coach John Bracewell.

Gillespie, 26, has been a solid performer for Wellington in the domestic first-class competition and impressed the national selectors with his strong displays for New Zealand A earlier this year.

"He thoroughly deserves his place in the squad and his skills as a specialist death bowler will extend our depth in this area.

"He's a new-ball bowler who ends up bowling three or four at the end."

Vettori, Bond and Oram were all cleared to play but Styris remains a concern after missing his last county match for Middlesex.

Bracewell said he was hopeful Styris would play but he was not certain.

"We will take a wait-and-see approach before considering whether he can tour and have no need to consider a replacement at this stage," he added.

Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Brendon McCullum, Hamish Marshall, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.