Overview
- Ajaz Patel and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell return to the squad for Mount Maunganui, with coach Rob Walter pointing to spin-friendly conditions at Bay Oval.
- Fast bowler Blair Tickner is omitted after a dislocated shoulder, while debutant Mitchell Hay is released to play for Canterbury following his 61 in Wellington.
- Kyle Jamieson remains on a managed red-ball return-to-play plan per NZC and is not reinstated to Test duty.
- Pace options Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke are retained alongside spin-bowling allrounders Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips.
- New Zealand lead the three-Test series 1-0, with the third Test scheduled to start Thursday in Mount Maunganui.