Otago captain Hamish Rutherford has received a surprise test recall seven years after his previous appearance for the side.
The 32-year-old left-hander has been named in a 15-strong Black Caps squad for the first test against South Africa in Christchurch starting next week.
Northern Districts all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has also been recalled, while Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden test call-ups.
Rutherford clouted 171 on test debut but played the last of his 16 tests in January 2015.
With Kane Williamson’s injured elbow and the retirement of Ross Taylor, Rutherford has been included as batting cover in the extended squad, which will be captained by Tom Latham.
In-form Canterbury wicketkeeper Fletcher will be the back-up gloveman to incumbent Tom Blundell, while Central Districts paceman Tickner will provide cover for the quick bowlers.
Tickner has played eight T20 internationals since debuting in 2019, while it is Fletcher’s first call-up to the national side after impressing in recent seasons.
Trent Boult will miss the first test as he awaits the birth of his third child, while Ajaz Patel is a chance to be added for the second test should conditions suit and provided he overcomes his left-calf injury.
Coach Gary Stead acknowledged this was yet another challenging squad to select.
"Injuries and Covid have forced us to be flexible and I’m really excited with the squad picked," he said.
"It’s a really exciting time for Hamish to be back in the Black Caps after a long time away, and I know he’s absolutely buzzing at the opportunity ahead.’’
Stead said the series had arrived too soon for Williamson, in terms of his elbow injury rehabilitation.
"He was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for test cricket, we had to make the tough call for him to sit it out and focus on returning for the white-ball matches against Netherlands in March."
