Blackcaps test candidates Kyle Jamieson and Will Young have been handed an early chance to pit themselves against the touring English team, when they line up for NZ XI at Hamilton.
The towering fast bowler and top-order batter have been included in the national squad to prepare for next week's pink-ball test against the tourists at Mt Maunganui next week, but after lengthy periods on the sidelines, the warm-up fixture will provided valuable time out in the middle.
Jamieson - the hero of New Zealand's 2021 World Test Championship victory - has battled a back injury for eight months, but has returned to action during the domestic season, while Young has not appeared for his country since a one-day series against Ireland last July.
"This is a great opportunity for the NZ XI players, from younger emerging players through to established domestic players, to experience playing against quality international opposition," said Blackcaps selector Gavin Larsen.
"And it's another important step for Kyle, as he looks to get more quality overs under his belt before the England Test series begins."
Jamieson, 28, looms as an obvious replacement for Trent Boult, who has stepped back from international cricket to concentrate on family and professional T20 leagues around the world.
While the NZ top order is relatively settled, Young has a chance to remind selectors of his ability, after compiling six half-centuries and a 28.60 average across 12 tests.
Led by Central Districts veteran and former Blackcaps T20 performer Tom Bruce, the NZ XI features a mix of experience and promising talent, including teenagers Jacob Cumming and Curtis Heaphy.
The two-day day-night match begins on Wednesday.
NZ XI: Tom Bruce (Central Stags), Adi Ashok (Auckland Aces), Jacob Cumming (Otago Volts), Sean Davey (Canterbury), Curtis Heaphy (Central Stags), Kyle Jamieson (Auckland Aces), Jarrod McKay (Otago Volts), Robbie O’Donnell (Auckland Aces), Will O’Donnell (Auckland Aces), Quinn Sunde (Auckland Aces), Sean Solia (Auckland Aces), Theo van Woerkom (Canterbury), Will Young (Central Stags)
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