Overview
- NZC named a 14-player squad for the Mount Maunganui Test beginning December 18, with New Zealand leading the series 1–0.
- Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel returns after more than a year out and is in line for his first home Test since 2020, having taken 11 wickets in his last Test in Mumbai in 2024.
- Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has recovered from a hamstring tear and replaces debutant Mitchell Hay, who returns to Canterbury after a half-century on debut.
- Fast bowler Blair Tickner is ruled out of the third Test after dislocating his shoulder during the second match.
- Head coach Rob Walter points to Bay Oval’s turn as the reason for a specialist spinner, with seamers Michael Rae, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Kristian Clarke retained and Kyle Jamieson continuing a red-ball return-to-play plan.