The Blackcaps appear set to make a change at the top of the batting order, with news that Tom Blundell will open in place of Jeet Raval in their warm-up match against a Victoria XI on Sunday.
Raval has endured a nightmare run in recent times, scoring just 66 runs at an average of 7.3 from his last nine innings.
Calls for him to be dropped have been growing in volume, and Blundell's selection is the strongest hint yet that change is imminent for the upcoming Boxing Day test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Blundell has played just two tests for New Zealand. He stepped in for an injured BJ Watling against the West Indies in 2017 and proceeded to score an unbeaten 107 in a dream debut behind the stumps.
He was named in the Blackcaps' World Cup squad but wasn't picked for any of the games.
Returning NZ quick Trent Boult will be given a chance to roll his arm over as part of the Victoria XI, as he works his way back from the rib injury that ruled him out of the first test.
Join us for live updates of the second test between the Blackcaps and Australia on Thursday, December 26.
