The Black Caps have been dealt a major blow on the eve of the series against Australia, with opener Devon Conway ruled out of the first Test with a thumb injury.
He joins paceman Kyle Jamieson as first-choice Kiwis who will miss the Wellington Test, along with Neil Wagner, who retired on Tuesday after being informed he wouldn't be picked in the side.
Wagner's exit means Will O'Rourke will play just his second Test, with a final selection battle between Scott Kuggeleijn and Mitchell Santner based on the Basin Reserve pitch.
