World Cup 2015: Reports suggest semifinal hero Elliott almost never made it to Kiwis' WC squad

New Zealand middle-order batsman Grant Elliott might never have been the one to hit the winning six in their semifinal tie against South Africa on Tuesday as he was most likely the last name on the sheet when their World Cup squad was named, reports have revealed.

New Zealand media has revealed that it's unlikely the wider public has full appreciation of just how close Elliott was to miss out on his World Cup dream.

It has been revealed that for months it seemed likely that talented young all-rounder Jimmy Neesham was going to be part of New Zealand's squad and Elliott wasn't considered good enough to squeeze in as specialist batsmen, News.com.au reported.

When he missed selection in the three-match ODI series against South Africa in October despite the absence of Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, Neesham, Dean Brownlie and World Cup back-up batsman Tom Latham were preferred, the door was reportedly effectively closed on Elliott.

The inclusion of the 36-year-old all-rounder in New Zealand's World Cup squad after more than a year out of the side raised questions in January, but strong performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan has helped him silence the doubters, the report added.