The Black Caps have selected an unchanged line-up for the second Test against England at the Basin Reserve which starts tomorrow.
Despite calling spin bowler Mitchell Santner into the squad with the potential to play him on a pitch which took turn in New Zealand's Test defeat to Australia in March, the selectors have stuck with a four-prong seam attack after the eight-wicket defeat at Christchurch.
Santner claimed 13 wickets in the match in his last Test — against India in Pune — but the selectors feel part-timer Glenn Phillips can do a job with his off spin along with the pace of Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith.
"Looking at the surface here and the games that have played here … obviously last season we saw the wicket taking some spin which surprised us but going by the games here — the Wellington first class games — we think the balance is the right balance for this week," skipper Tom Latham said today.
"We obviously have some spin options too. We think it's the right fit."
England have also named an unchanged line-up.
The upshot is that Wellington Firebird Smith, who made his Test debut last week at Hagley Oval, will get to play at his adopted home ground.
"I thought he was fantastic — he came in and bowled with great energy," Latham said of Smith, who took three wickets in England's first innings of 499.
"He moved the ball both ways in the air but also brought a great balance with his ability to bat a little bit as well. I thought what he showed throughout those four days was very promising."
Asked whether Smith was a candidate for the first use of the ball, Latham added: "I'm sure he'll be used reasonably early."
A major focus will be on taking catches — the Black Caps dropped eight in England's first innings — and making runs, with the returning Kane Williamson scoring New Zealand's high score of 93. Williamson also hit 61 in the second innings.
Daryl Mitchell scored 84 in the second innings, with the Phillips' 58 in the first innings the only other score above 50.
The lack of runs has put the spotlight on several individuals, most notably opener Devon Conway and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.
Of the latter, who scored 17 and 0 in Christchurch, Latham said: "We're right behind Tom, we know the important role he plays in this side, especially with his keeping as well."
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