Black Caps ponder four-pronged pace attack

Matt Henry is a confirmed starter for the second Test against Australia as New Zealand consider playing without a spinner in Christchurch.

New Zealand's Matt Henry

New Zealand's Matt Henry is a confirmed starter for the second Test against Australia. (AAP)

New Zealand will consider unleashing a four-pronged pace attack in their bid to square the Test series against Australia in Christchurch.

Departing captain Brendon McCullum confirmed Matt Henry will replace injured seamer Doug Bracewell (shoulder) for the Test starting at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

They may also field accomplished left-armer Neil Wagner instead of offspinner Mark Craig, who has struggled to trouble the Australians this summer.

Craig took 2-153 in the heavy first Test loss at Wellington, failing to generate the turn and drift of Australian counterpart Nathan Lyon.

Also working against Craig's playing hopes is a green pitch which McCullum admits will suit the seamers.

"It's not going to be necessarily a pleasant time out there with bat in hand," McCullum said.

"I'm sure that both teams' bowling lineups will relish it."

Earlier this week New Zealand coach Mike Hesson called for a pitch that zips around for longer than the Basin Reserve, which was a minefield for the opening session only.

McCullum suspects Hesson will get his wish.

"The Basin dried out a little bit quicker than what a team who's been bowled out for 180 wanted.

"Our groundsmen, they know how to prepare good wickets and I'm sure this one will be a good contest which will hopefully end up in a result. Hopefully for us."

Henry's selection for his fourth Test is a reward for his outstanding form in the shorter formats.

His bag of ODI wickets against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Australia over the last two months contrast with a relatively ineffectual start to his Test career.

Wagner was unlucky not to be next cab off the rank, having taken 67 Test scalps at an average of 33.3 and played a key part in some notable victories.


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Source: AAP



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