Blackcaps batter Devon Conway is in line to return to action just in time for the home summer, named as part of the New Zealand XI to face Bangladesh in a two-day warm-up match in Mount Maunganui.
Conway, 30, has been out of action since New Zealand's victory over England in the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup in November, suffering a broken hand from punching his own bat.
But as preparation for the start of the home summer, beginning against Bangladesh on January 1, Conway has been named as part of the 12-strong New Zealand XI - subject to his hand healing in time.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back into some competitive cricket and hopefully I'm passed fit to play," Conway says.
"I've just started batting again and testing out my hand so I'm hopeful of making my return for the New Zealand XI. There's nothing like a match situation to really test it out and help build some confidence."
Conway will be joined in the NZ XI by Blackcaps seamer Neil Wagner, fresh from returning from the tour of India, where he didn't play a game.
Wagner hasn't played any form of cricket since the World Test Championship final, won by the Blackcaps in June, thanks to COVID-19 lockdown affecting the start of New Zealand's domestic season.
Also included in the XI is Otago batsman Jacob Cumming, 18, son of former New Zealand opener Craig, along with Wellington's Tim Robinson.
"Both Tim and Jacob are emerging talents and have already made promising starts to their cricketing careers," says selector Gavin Larsen.
"I know they will both relish the chance to play for the New Zealand XI and show people what they've got."
New Zealand XI (one to be added): Ma'ara Ave, Jakob Bhula, Jack Boyle, Devon Conway, Jacob Cumming, Joey Field, Jarrod McKay, Tim Pringle, Brett Randell, Mitch Renwick, Tim Robinson, Neil Wagner
