The Black Caps have been hit by more injury problems after their heavy defeat to Australia in the first Test in Wellington, fast bowler Will O'Rourke ruled out of the second Test due to a hamstring strain and opening batter Devon Conway requiring surgery on his thumb.
O'Rourke sustained the injury while bowling on day three of the first Test at the Basin Reserve, won by Australia by 172 runs, and will be out for at least two weeks.
Uncapped Wellington Firebirds pace bowler Ben Sears will replace O'Rourke in the 13-man squad and will join the team in Christchurch tomorrow. The first Test at Hagley Oval is due to start on Friday.
It means there will be no dramatic call up for fans' favourite Neil Wagner, who announced his retirement last week. New Zealand Cricket today confirmed Wagner had been released from the squad.
Head coach Gary Stead said Sears, a 26-year-old with 58 first class wickets at an average of 27, was ready for Test cricket. Given Stead's reluctance to select specialist spinner Mitch Santner recently, it's highly likely that Sears will make his Test debut at Hagley Oval as his side attempt to level the series.
"Ben's a young bowler with a quality skill set," Stead said.
"He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket.
"We've been really impressed by his performances for the Black Caps in white ball cricket this summer and believe he can make the step up to the Test arena if called upon.
"It's disappointing for Will to be ruled out, especially after making such a strong start to his international career.
"He's shown he's a player with huge potential and at 22-years-old we're hopeful we will see a lot more of him in the Black Cap."
Conway, meanwhile, will likely be out for eight weeks due to surgery on his injured thumb, suffered in a recent T20I defeat to Australia.
Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls, who was called in as cover for the first Test, will stay with the squad for the second Test.
"We're all feeling for Devon," Stead said.
"He's a massive part of the Black Caps and we're going to miss his presence both on and off the field.
"We wish him all the best for his surgery and we will be there to support him as he begins his recovery."
Follow the Black Caps during New Zealand's summer of cricket on TVNZ+
SHARE ME