Lockie Ferguson's test debut will have to wait, after the speedster was released from the Blackcaps' red-ball squad to play domestic cricket for Auckland.
The 28-year-old had been hotly tipped to play his first test for New Zealand against England at Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval, starting Thursday, but the selectors seem to have opted for the tried and true.
Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Neil Wagner will battle for potentially three pace-bowling spots in the line-up.
All signs pointed towards Ferguson's selection, after coach Gary Stead alluded to the Aucklander's raw pace as a luxury too enticing to ignore.
"It's obviously a point of difference," Stead said on Tuesday. "That's pretty exciting for Lockie and a potential debut for him at some stage to be able to fight fire with fire."
Ferguson's long-form history suggests he is well suited to test cricket, taking 153 wickets in 42 matches for his province at an average of 24.30 runs.
Leg-spin bowler Todd Astle has also been released to play for his Canterbury side.
Blackcaps XI to be selected from: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee (vc), Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Matt Henry
