The Blackcaps' European tour will give some up-and-coming talent the chance to push for a spot at the upcoming Cricket World Cups, captain Tom Latham says, with a number of senior players rested.
In Europe after New Zealand's 3-0 test defeat to England, the Blackcaps will play white ball series away to Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands over the coming weeks.
But with front-line regulars Devon Conway, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and captain Kane Williamson rested for the tour, stand-in skipper Latham is confident in his rookies to press their cases.
Starting with three ODIs against Ireland beginning on Sunday, some of New Zealand's best domestic performers will get the chance to make their debuts, with the resting of Williamson and Conway combined with Ross Taylor's retirement leaving spots up for grabs.
What's more, senior players like Latham, Henry Nicholls and Will Young will return to New Zealand after the Ireland ODI series, throwing more than one uncapped player into contention to shine in their absence.
Glenn Phillips and Finn Allen will have the chance to stake their claims as ODI players after appearing in other formats, while wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver can also push for a belated international debut after his first chance was washed out earlier this year.
With the ball, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner and Adam Milne will also look to prove their worth in place of Boult and Southee.
And with 50-over and 20-over World Cups to be played before the end of 2023, Latham outlines the importance of creating depth if the Blackcaps are going to challenge for international silverware.
"Our schedule coming up over the next 18 months is pretty packed, and there's a lot of cricket there," Latham said.
"So I guess it's ensuring guys get a bit of rest, but on the other hand it gives guys an opportunity to put their hands up.
"With a World Cup coming up not too far away, it gives guys opportunities in different conditions, and we've got a few new faces in the side.
"It's certainly an exciting time for them, and nice for those guys to get a little bit of rest as well."
Despite a lack of ODI cricket in the last few years, the Blackcaps still enter the series as the top-ranked international side in the 50-over format.
But even with a side not at full strength, Latham isn't buying into the idea of any added pressure on the Blackcaps, faced with potential banana skin fixtures against Ireland and Scotland.
And while nearly 400 caps worth of experience has been rested, New Zealand's captain is confident in his rookies to take their chances.
"I don't think it puts any pressure on us," he added. "It's always been about trying to play our brand of cricket, and sticking with things that we do well.
"If we do that, we give ourselves a good chance at the back end of games.
"As I said, we've got some new faces, guys that haven't played a lot. If they're able to familiarise themselves with our blueprint and go about playing their own brand of cricket then it certainly gives ourselves a good chance.
"We're really excited about this series. There's a T20 World Cup coming up as well, and gives guys an opportunity to put their hands up, which is cool."
The Blackcaps face Ireland in three ODIs and three T20s, Scotland in one ODI and two T20s and the Netherlands in three T20s.
