The Black Caps will tomorrow begin their Cricket World Cup preparations at Tauranga's Bay Oval in the first of three one-day internationals against the Proteas.
And, within the 14-man squad for the opening encounter, coach Mike Hesson has included a number of men eager to showcase their World Cup credentials before the tournament begins in February.
Former captain Daniel Vettori is far from the known quantity he once was, having played the most recent of his 275 ODIs last June against England. Vettori bowled 10 overs in New Zealand XI's win over Scotland last week and Hesson said the 35-year-old had been "training the house down" since returning from injury.
Batsmen Dean Brownlie (three ODIs) and Tom Latham (13 ODIs) have been handed the chance to stake their claim for an opening spot following injuries to Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson. Taylor is expected to miss the entire series with a calf strain while Williamson will miss the first match with a wrist injury.
The bowling attack will see Trent Boult, whose last one-dayer came in February 2013, attempt to prove himself with the white ball, while Tim Southee has been passed fit after being unavailable for New Zealand XI's rained-out match against Ireland on Saturday.
NZ squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori.
