New Zealand will have their first-choice Test gloveman, BJ Watling, back for the second Test in Wellington starting Friday (December 11) against West Indies. 

Watling, inarguably one of the world's best wicketkeeper batsman in the traditional format, was rested in Hamilton as he recovered from a hamstring strain. 

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Ahead of the next encounter, the 35-year said he looks on track for return to the side at Basin Reserve. 

"It seems to be progressing pretty well," AFP quoted Watling as saying. "I've been through a few fitness tests and did a bit of training last week during the Test match and it seems to have pulled up pretty good."

The home team dominated the first Test and won by an innings & 134 runs but Watling said there is no reason for them to put their guards down. 

"It will be about adjusting to what we get at the Basin and being ready to go in those conditions," he said. "The weather for the Test looks pretty good but you never know at the Basin, it might be reasonably flat or it might have a bit in it for the bowlers."

With Watling back, debutant Will Young will be forced out of the side while Tom Blundell, who kept in his absence, resumes opening the innings. 

The tourists, on the other hand, have a number of injury concerns and the confirmed absence of first-choice quick Kemar Roach to contend with. 

Shane Dowrich, who injured his finger on Day 1 in Hamilton and didn't take part in the rest of the game, seems set to be sidelined further while Roach returns home upon learning of his father's untimely demise. 

Uncapped young batsman Joshua da Silva has been added into the squad as cover for Dowrich and Chemar Holder seems set to replace Roach in the bowling attack. 

It is understood, Shimron Hetmyer is still under observation for concussion scare following a blow to his head during the T20Is and all-rounder Keemo Paul is nursing a groin injury.  

(Inputs from AFP)