Ajaz Patel has been left out of New Zealand's Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand despite recovering from a calf injury. New Zealand instead leaned towards the all-round abilities of Mitchell Santner, who retained his place in the squad.

In the injury-enforced absence of Colin de Grandhomme, Canterbury seam-bowling allrounder Daryl Mitchell too kept his spot but there was no room for Matt Henry who recently returned to action from injury and took a match haul of seven wickets against the touring Pakistan Shaheens earlier this week.

Kane Williamson will take over captaincy from Tom Latham after he missed the last Test against West Indies in Wellington to be with his partner Sarah Raheem for the birth of their first child.

Patel had been identified as identified as a more attacking option, as part of a spin overhaul earlier this year, but his lack of recent game-time worked against him. The 32-year old's last competitive game was a Plunket Shield fixture for Central Districts in March.

"The toughest squad selection was clearly around the spinner," Gary Stead, the head coach, said. 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.

"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."

Williamson's return meant Devon Conway dropped out of the squad while Will Young remained in the squad as a reserve batsman.

More to follow…