Matt Henry has got the nod over Lockie Ferguson for New Zealand's first cricket Test against the West Indies.
The match starts in Wellington on Friday and there was speculation the express pace of Ferguson would earn him a debut.
However, skipper Kane Williamson confirmed on Thursday Henry would start for his ninth Test as the replacement for Tim Southee, whose partner is expecting a baby.
Ferguson, named in the squad after taking seven West Indies wickets in their warm up match, had been bowling with good pace, making it a tough decision, Williamson said.
But he added Henry had been playing well for a long time and probably hadn't been getting the opportunities he deserved.
"He is a different bowler to Lockie, but has been bowling with good pace, does tend to move the ball well, so it's exciting for Matt," Williamson said.
"When he has had the opportunity he's performed really well. In our last Test match against South Africa he was outstanding."
