Injured batsman Kane Williamson has been included in the New Zealand cricket side for the three-Test series against the West Indies, starting in Dunedin on Tuesday.
Williamson, who broke a bone in his thumb in Bangladesh last month, will await a final fitness clearance closer to the match but the signs are promising.
General Manager of National Selectors Bruce Edgar says Williamson has been in the nets batting and bowling and getting his intensity levels up, and they're confident he'll be right by Tuesday.
Aaron Redmond has been named as injury cover for Williamson. The Otago batsman played his last test in 2008.
Also returning to the squad is Tim Southee, following ankle surgey in July.
Leg spinner Ish Sodhi and allrounder Corey Anderson are set to play their first Tests at home.
NZ squad: Brendon McCullum, Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Peter Fulton, Aaron Redmond, Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson
