New Zealand have recalled Mathew Sinclair for batsman Neil Broom in a 13-man squad for the first Test against Australia in Wellington, starting on Friday.
Coach Mark Greatbatch said Sinclair, who hasn't played a Test for two years and averages only 32.55 in 32 matches, had been included as a back-up player.
"We felt we needed a cover top-order batter, rather than cover for our middle order, so Neil is a little unlucky in that respect," said Greatbatch, who is also a selector.
Daniel Vettori, who shoulders New Zealand’s bowling department along with leading the team and acting as a selector, will also be given the responsibility of batting at No.6 in the two-Test series.
The left-arm spinner showed in 2009 he was more than handy with the bat, scoring 779 runs at 59.92 in eight Tests including three centuries.
"He has been very successful there over the last half-dozen Tests. It also gives a very good balance to our side. It enables us to play the five bowlers we are looking for, whether that is four seamers and one spinner, or three seamers and two spinners in our squad, we have the ability to be flexible," Greatbatch said.
The Kiwis, who are sixth on the ICC Test rankings compared to Australia's third spot, will be weakened by the Test retirement of pace spearhead Shane Bond.
Bond has quit first-class cricket and is heading to the Indian Premier League following New Zealand's 3-2 loss to Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee series.
New Zealand won the dead-rubber fifth game in Wellington by 51 runs on Saturday night with Bond taking 4 for 26.
New Zealand Test squad: Daniel Vettori (Capt), Brent Arnel, Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel, Mathew Sinclair, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, B.J. Watling.
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