Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi has been recalled to the Blackcaps test squad for their upcoming tour of Pakistan, four years since his last international appearance in the longest format.
The 30-year-old joins white-ball star Glenn Phillips and uncapped fast-bowler Blair Tickner as the new faces in a 15-strong squad for the two-test series.
The tour will also mark Tim Southee's first as test captain, following Kane Williamson's decision to stand down after six years in charge.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead is excited by the trio's inclusion, and believes their experience in ODIs and T20s will make for a seamless transition to test cricket.
"It's always an exciting time for a player to be selected in a test squad and even more so when you've been away for an extended period of time," Stead said.
"I know all three of the guys have a real passion for the longest form of the game and are looking forward to getting into their red-ball work at the pre-tour camp in Lincoln this week.
"Ish has been playing international cricket for almost a decade now, and we're backing his skills and experience. Looking at the current conditions and style of play in the Pakistan and England test series, we feel having a wrist-spinner in the team will be important."
"Glenn is clearly a very talented batsman and we're excited to introduce him back into the test squad for this tour. His ability to bowl off-spin is also a plus point with the prospect of turning pitches.
"Blair's been with the group for our past two-test series and we believe he's very much ready for test cricket. He has genuine pace and gets good bounce which is a real asset to have in sub-continental conditions."
"It's going to be a new experience and the kind of challenge that excites this group.
"We've naturally been keeping an eye on the current test series against England, particularly the last two tests of the series held in Multan and Karachi, where we will play.
"This series will be the first for Tim Southee as test captain and, together, we're both looking forward to getting into our work for the tour."
Blackcaps fast bowler Trent Boult has made himself unavailable for the tour, while Kyle Jamieson is still recovering from a back injury.
Blackcaps test squad for tour of Pakistan: Tim Southee (C), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
