For the first group, the reasons are obvious - as long as you're "in" rather than trying to "get in". For those doing the picking, it's an indication they feel they're on the right course.
When the 15 players are announced today for the three-test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates next month, expect the names to be remarkably similar to those who went to the West Indies in June and nailed a third straight series victory.
Most pick themselves without much need for debate.
Tom Latham has locked himself in for the medium term as the first-choice opener after his efforts in the Caribbean.
The middle core of the batting picks itself; Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner are the premier fast-medium test operators; Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, the late bloomer against the West Indies, are the spinners.
Another opener is needed, and preferably two players who can fill the role. In the West Indies, Latham went in first with Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford.
Fulton's days are done, but there may be a feeling that Rutherford, at 25, should be persevered with for another series.
He's played 14 of the last 15 tests since his century on debut against England in Dunedin in 2012. His average has sunk to 27, he still exhibits loose traits around his off stump and has lost his national contract.
This could be a final chance to prove himself before the selectors look elsewhere.
Expect a second wicketkeeper, the one-day incumbent Luke Ronchi, to be there again.
A fourth seamer will be needed, partly because Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham's test performances as third or fourth seamer have been average.
Canterbury's Matt Henry would be a chance, but this might be an opportunity to continue Doug Bracewell's rehabilitation from an unhappy last season off the field, and after a tidy New Zealand A tour to England.
A New Zealand XI squad of 19 players for a range of matches will also be named today.
The likelies: A possible New Zealand test squad to the United Arab Emirates: Brendon McCullum (c), Tom Latham, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, Luke Ronchi, Mark Craig, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Doug Bracewell.
- By David Leggat of the New Zealand Herald
