Batsman Neil Broom is in line to make his Test debut after being named to replace Ross Taylor in the Black Caps squad for the second cricket Test against South Africa.
Neil Broom Photo: Photosport
A scan showed Taylor to have suffered a low-grade tear in his left calf-muscle during the first Test in Dunedin.
Broom will join the side in Wellington on Monday, ahead of the start of the match at the Basin Reserve on Thursday.
The first Test in Dunedin ended in a draw when play was abandoned without a ball being bowled on the fifth day due to rain.
The Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said Broom brought a number of qualities to the team.
"With 18 First-Class centuries Neil has shown ability in red ball cricket over a long period of time," said Larsen.
"While he hasn't played a Test, Neil still brings a considerable amount of experience and maturity to the side in Ross's absence.
"Neil's been a big part of our group over the course of the summer and this is another exciting opportunity for him."
Broom, 33, who has a first class average of 39.28, has played 30 one-day internationals for New Zealand.
He had scores of 2, 2 and 0 in the three ODI matches against South Africa.
Andile Phehlukwayo, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy celbrate the wicket of Neil Broom. Photo: Photosport
Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says Northern Districts' Dean Brownlie wasn't considered because of injury.
Another candidate, Aucklander Colin Munro, could be destructive on his day but they were after a player who could control an innings through the middle.
"We've got quite an inexperienced batting line-up... we were keen to have someone who had plenty of playing experience, somebody who played pace well and obviously Neil's had the advantage of seeing a little bit of South Africa earlier in the month," said Hesson.
"In terms of the middle order role he was an obvious selection for us."
Pacebowler Trent Boult is still being monitored after leaving the field on day four of the first Test with what has been reported as a hip or groin injury.
Boult will travel with the side to Wellington.
Larsen said Matt Henry joined the squad as an additional member, as opposed to being cover or a replacement.
New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"The plan was always to bring in a fourth seam option for Wellington and therefore Matt has been called in.
"Matt has been impressive in the Plunket Shield since he returned and certainly comes into consideration for us."
- RNZ, Reuters
