The pace bowler Matt Henry has got the nod over Lockie Ferguson for New Zealand's first cricket Test against the West Indies.
The match starts in Wellington on Friday and there was speculation the express pace of Ferguson would earn him a test debut.
However, skipper Kane Williamson has confirmed Henry will start his ninth tenth, repalcing Tim Southee, whose partner is expecting a baby.
Matt Henry celebrates taking a wicket against South Africa in March. Photo: Photosport
Ferguson was named in the squad after taking seven West Indies wickets in their warm up match and had been bowling with good pace, making it a tough decision, Williamson said.
But he added Henry had been playing well for a long time and probably hadn't been getting the opportunities he deserved.
"He is a different bowler to Lockie, but has been bowling with good pace, does tend to move the ball well, so it's exciting for Matt," Williamson said.
"When he has had the opportunity he's performed really well. In our last Test match against South Africa he was outstanding."
