A two-match Test series between New Zealand and South Africa will begin without a number of big names across both sides. While Ross Taylor (retired), Kane Williamson (elbow injury) and Trent Boult (birth of his child) will miss the series for the hosts, South Africa will be without Keegan Petersen after he tested positive for Covid-19.

This will be the first time in over 14 years and in 117 Test matches that a New Zealand Test team will be without either Taylor, Williamson or Boult. However, their absence means an opportunity for Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner, who have earned maiden call-ups. The series will also mark the comeback of Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford.

Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand Test side that also will miss the services of Ajaz Patel, who has been hampered by a calf injury. The spinner, though, could return for the second Test.

The visitors, on the other hand, have picked 32-year-old Simon Harmer in their 17-member squad for the two Tests. He last featured in the side back in 2015 and replaces George Linde, who misses out due to his wedding. South Africa will also be without Prenelan Subrayen, who is recuperating from his groin injury.

NZ vs SA 2022 squad: Full team list for the Test series

New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (wk), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.

South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Sarel Erwee, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne