Daniel Vettori (captain)

The youngest player to represent New Zealand in Test cricket when he made his debut against England in 1997 - a record he still holds - Vettori has gone on to establish himself as one of the finest spinners in the game. Though not a big turner of the ball, he varies his pace superbly and is arguably the best number eight in world cricket.

Brendon McCullum (vice-captain)

Explosive wicketkeeper-batsman who will serve as Vettori's vice-captain. Enjoyed a rapid rise to fame of late, culminating recently in the IPL where he smashed 158 not out off just 73 balls for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Will be hoping to translate that form to the five-day game where he averages just over 30.

Daniel Flynn

Left-handed batsman Flynn is yet to make his Test debut. Two limited-overs centuries for Northern Districts prompted a call-up to the national side but he managed just one run from an ODI and a T20 game against England in February.

Peter Fulton

Despite a highest first-class score of 301 not out, Fulton is yet to produce the goods for the Test side. In seven games before the England tour, he had managed just one fifty - an innings of 75 against West Indies two years ago - although his ODI record is more impressive.

Gareth Hopkins

The wicketkeeper was part of the touring party when New Zealand came to England in 2004, providing back-up for Brendon McCullum. Barring injury to McCullum, he is not expected to feature this summer.

Jamie How

Despite a superb record in ODIs - he averages more than 42 - How's performances in Test cricket are modest in comparison. However, he showed signs of his talent in the recent series with England when he scored 92 in the first Test in Hamilton. Captained the side for first two tour matches while Vettori was on IPL duty.

James Marshall

Marshall, the twin brother of former Black Cap and current Gloucestershire batsman Hamish, has not played a Test for almost three years. He should be brimming with confidence, though, after a prolific season with Northern Districts when he scored 616 runs at an average in excess of 50.

Chris Martin

New Zealand's most experienced seamer, Martin enhanced his reputation as a dependable new-ball bowler during the winter Test series against England. His batting remains a different matter altogether - in 56 innings he has reached double figures just once, an unbeaten 12 against Bangladesh, and has clocked up an unimpressive 21 ducks.

Michael Mason

A seam bowler with limited international experience, Mason's only Test appearance came against South Africa four years ago when he went wicketless from 22 overs. He has played 21 ODIs and has more than 200 wickets in first-class cricket.

Kyle Mills

The seamer made his debut against England at Trent Bridge in 2004 but has been unable to hold down a regular place with injuries playing their part. Took 4-16 as his side beat England in Hamilton in March but missed the final Test due to a knee problem.

Iain O'Brien

Made his Test debut against Australia three years ago, Matthew Hayden being a notable first scalp. Struggled to command a regular berth since then, collecting 12 wickets in his six Test matches prior to the tour of England, five of those coming in his last Test appearance against Bangladesh in January.

Jacob Oram

A big player in every sense of the word, the 6ft 6in all-rounder, whose highest Test score is 133, is acknowledged as one of the world's most powerful strikers of the ball. Bowls useful medium pace, too, extracting bounce due to his height, and is an excellent fielder.

Jeetan Patel

Test opportunities have been restricted by the presence of fellow spinner Daniel Vettori but Patel made an impact when New Zealand hosted England in the winter, taking eight wickets in two Tests. Will be hoping to add to his haul of three caps this summer.

Aaron Redmond

A top-order batsman and leg-break bowler, the Australian-born Redmond would match his father Rodney's achievements if he plays for New Zealand. Redmond senior's international career should have lasted longer than one match - he scored 107 and 56 against Pakistan but his failure to adjust to contact lenses cost him dear and he did not play another Test.

Tim Southee

The 19-year-old seamer announced himself on the international stage in some style against England at Napier, taking 5-55 before smashing an unbeaten 77 off just 40 balls, including nine sixes. Player of the tournament at the recent Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia with 17 wickets as New Zealand reached the semi-finals.

Ross Taylor

A new face on the international stage, Taylor was the stand-out performer with the bat during the recent series against England. He hit a sparkling 120 - his maiden Test century - at Hamilton and followed that up with three more half-centuries. Excellent when driving down the ground.

Grant Elliott and Mark Gillespie returned to New Zealand when Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills arrived in England following their IPL commitments.