Mitchell Santner has kept his place in the Black Caps for the upcoming two test series against Pakistan.
Mitchell Santner Photo: Photosport
The all-rounder is the only specialist spinner in the 13-strong squad, with Ajaz Patel overlooked despite having overcome a calf injury.
Coach Gary Stead says it was the toughest selection call.
"That basically came down to the balance of the side and with the four-strong pace attack going so nicely, we wanted to have a spinning all-rounder as an option for that number seven position," Stead said.
"It's really unfortunate for Ajaz, who has overcome his calf-injury, but the all-round ability of Mitchell Santner is our preferred option for this series.
"The fact Ajaz hasn't been able to have any game-time in the lead-up was also a concern for the selectors."
Captain Kane Williamson returns to the side after missing the second test against West Indies in Wellington to be with his wife Sarah ahead of the birth of their first child. His inclusion means Devon Conway drops out of the squad with Will Young continuing as the batting cover.
Daryl Mitchell remains as the seam-bowling all-rounder in place of Colin de Grandhomme who was last week ruled out of the series with a stress-reaction to his right ankle.
The first assignment for the squad is the Boxing Day test which will hosted at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui for the first time, before the New Year's test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting on January 3.
Photo: PhotoSport / Andrew Cornaga
Fresh from his 50th test, Papamoa resident Neil Wagner said he couldn't wait for December 26.
"It doesn't get much bigger than a Boxing Day test on your home ground," the world's third-ranked test bowler enthused.
"The community have really got behind Bay Oval and to see a bumper crowd there on Boxing Day will be pretty special as a local player."
Following consecutive two-nil series wins over the West Indies this month and India earlier this year, Williamson's men sit just behind India in third on the World Test Championship points table.
A series sweep against Pakistan and a heavy defeat for India in Australia would see the Black Caps well placed to return to Lord's in London for another ICC Final.
"The test team have played some really good cricket of late and to have an opportunity to push for a World Test Championship Final is truly exciting," Wagner said.
"Pakistan are a dangerous side with class players throughout their line-up - so we know we'll have to be at the top of our game."
The test squad assembles in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday ahead of the Boxing Day test.
Black Caps test squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk) and Will Young.