New Zealand will be without their spearhead Tim Southee after he retired late last year. Other regulars like Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell have also made themselves unavailable for the two-match series, while Kyle Jamieson has taken time off as he awaits the birth of his first child and Ben Sears has been ruled out due to an injury.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher, Matt Henry*,* Daryl Mitchell,
Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young
Walter added that while they will miss the talent and the class, it also provides an opportunity for others to showcase their talent.