Kane Williamson is set to make his return to the Black Caps in their upcoming three-match Test series against England which starts November 28 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Williamson returns to the Test squad after recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of the India Test tour with Mark Chapman making way for the veteran.
Williamson was expected to play some part in the tour of India, but he was eventually advised to stay in New Zealand so that he could recover in time for the home Test series against England.
Two potential Test debutants have been named for the upcoming three-match Test series, with both currently representing the Black Caps in their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
Wellington Firebirds' bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned his maiden Test call-up alongside Otago pace-bowler Jacob Duffy.
The Black Caps will assemble a squad of 13 for each Test, with one seam bowler set to make way for Mitchell Santner who will join the squad for the second and third Tests.
Following the Black Caps' 3-0 series win in India, the Kiwi side still have a chance to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final as they currently sit fourth on the table, behind India (2nd) and Sri Lanka (3rd).
The Black Caps selectors have opted for a plethora of pace-bowlers in the squad which is expected to be favourable in home conditions.
However, Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not considered for selection as they both remain injured.
Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have not been included in the squad based on the conditions expected in New Zealand.
This Test series against England is set to be Tim Southee's last, after the veteran pace-bowler announced this morning he would be retiring from Test cricket.
Black Caps selector Sam Wells said the Test series was important for several reasons.
"It's obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further," Wells said.
"Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps.
"I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series."
Wells said it was tough to leave out Patel following his player of the match performance in Mumbai, but the decision was informed by the expected home conditions, Santner's recent Test form and the presence of Glenn Phillips.
"Mitch has performed superbly since his recall to the Test team last year, and I am sure he will take a lot of confidence out of his match winning performance in the Pune Test."
The second Test at the Basin Reserve is sold-out for the first three days with limited tickets for the fourth day, while the first three days of the first Test at Hagley Oval are also heading for a sell-out.
Black Caps head coach Gary Stead will be joined for the series by batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram.
The Black Caps Test squad will assemble in Christchurch on November 25 ahead of the first Test starting at Hagley Oval on November 28.
Black Caps Test squad for England Test series:
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy*, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith*, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson,Will Young.
*uncapped player
Black Caps v England Test Series schedule:
1st Test - Thursday, November 28 - Monday, December 2 - Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd Test – Friday, December 6 – Tuesday, December 10 - Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
3rd Test – Saturday, December 14 – Wednesday, December 18 - Seddon Park, Hamilton
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