New Zealand on Tuesday (June 15) named a 15-member squad for the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, scheduled to be held in Southampton from June 18-22.
Regular skipper Kane Williamson will be available to lead the Kiwis in the marquee game, having missed out on the second Test against England due to an elbow injury.
Wicket-keeper BJ Watling, who too had missed the Edgbaston Test versus England owing to a back injury, has also been named in the squad.
"Kane and BJ have certainly benefitted from their week of rest and rehabilitation and we expect them to be fit and available for the final," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said at a press conference after the team's arrival in Southampton for the WTC final.
"Playing in a World Cup Final is a really special occasion and I know the guys are looking forward to getting into their work here in Southampton," he added.
New Zealand are going into the WTC final on the back of a 1-0 series win over England but Stead said it is going to be a tough challenge facing India.
"India are a world class outfit who possess match winners all through their line-up, so we're under no illusion about how tough they will be to beat," he said.
New Zealand have picked one specialist spinner and all-rounder in spinner Ajaz Patel and Colin de Grandhomme, respectively.
Will Young is the side's specialist batting cover, while Tom Blundell is the back-up wicket-keeper.
"We've gone with Ajaz as our specialist spinner after an impressive outing at Edgbaston and we believe he could be a factor at the Ageas Bowl," Stead said.
"Colin's been an integral member of our Test set-up for many years and it was great to see him return at Lord’s after a long injury lay-off.
"He's a proven performer at the top level and we back him to do a job with the bat or the ball if called upon."
New Zealand have left out five players from the squad which competed against England, including Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner.
"It's not easy to say goodbye to guys who have given so much to the group. Doug, Jacob and Rachin have been selfless in their attitude to helping the team and supporting those in the playing XI.
"With our squad being reduced, Heinrich and our second physio Vijay Vallabh will return home to New Zealand on June 16, along with Jacob, Rachin and Mitchell. We wish them well and thank them for their efforts," said Stead.
"There's had to be some tough calls with Mitchell and Daryl victims of the fierce competition we currently have for places in the Test side," he added.
New Zealand Squad for WTC final:
Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner BJ Watling and Will Young.
(With PTI inputs)
