Wicket-keeper Tom Blundell will open the batting for the Blackcaps against Australia in the Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
He'll replace the out-of-form Jeet Raval, who has struggled at the top of the order with an average of just nine runs in his last eight innings.
On Sunday, Blundell opened in NZ's warm-up match against Victoria XI, scoring 59 runs before retiring.
He debuted for the Blackcaps in 2017 against the West Indies, scoring 107 not out.
But his role against Australia will be diiferent as he switches from batting number eight, to opening.
"It's a mind-set shift, being a little bit patient outside off stump," Blundell said.
"It's about getting through 30 balls then expanding my game from there."
The 29-year-old averages 68 in his two test matches to date.
Returning from injury, Trent Boult joined the Victoria team in a bid to get overs under his belt before the Boxing Day test, taking the wicket of Tom Latham for five in the opening session.
Join us for live updates of the second test between the Blackcaps and Australia on Thursday, December 26.
