Wellington batsman Devon Conway will make his Test debut in tonight's opening game against England at Lord's.
Devon Conway Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Captain Kane Williamson has confirmed that the South African-born Conway will play at the top of the order, while the bowling line-up is still to be finalised.
The 12-man squad is: Tom Latham, Conway, Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Matt Henry.
Conway became eligible for New Zealand late last year and over the summer played three ODI's and 14 T20 internationals.
He averaged 75 in the ODI's and 59 in the T20's.
"A really exciting opportunity for Devon obviously he's been involved with the team over the last year in the white ball formats and gone extremely well and gets his opportunity to debut at the home of cricket," Williamson said.
All-rounder Colin de Grandhomme appears ready to return to the eleven having missed the entire international summer because of injury.
The playing eleven will be finalised on the morning of the game and the decision will be who out of de Grandomme, Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry misses out.
"We've got a couple of all-rounders, de Grandhomme and Santner, and in recent games at home we've opted for extra seamers so it's just trying to find that balance after assessing the pitch," Williamson said.
"The weather has taken a pretty quick turn from cold and wet to pretty hot and dry so we'll wait and see."
He did not expect de Grandhomme to have any problems in his return after a year out with injury.
"He's recovered really well, he's really fit, bowling plenty of overs in the build-up to this series which has been really promising."
Colin de Grandhomme Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The captain indicated they were likely to remain consistent in their selections.
"It is important that we utilise the members (of the squad) that we've used in recent times that have had a big impact on recent results as well."
After such a long build-up to this series and the World Test Championship final, Williamson is delighted to be getting into action.
"It's an exciting series that we have ahead of us, there's the enthusiasm and energy to get back together as a test group after a bit of a break from our last one."
There will be a number of changes to the England side with Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer out with injury and Jos Buttler being rested.
Wicket keeper James Bracey will make his Test debut, while Stuart Broad has been confirmed as Joe Root's vice-captain.
"They've got a lot of depth and they've called on that depth in recent years which has only strengthened them as a team," said Williamson.
"There is so much quality in their side, so for us it's about focussing on our style of cricket, but we know the challenge is great and they're very difficult to beat in these conditions."
Test schedule:
June 2: 1st Test vs England, Lord's
June 10: 2nd Test vs England, Edgbaston
June 18: World Test Championship final vs India, Southampton
