Depleted New Zealand to meet upbeat West Indies in Wellington

Dec 9 : New Zealand will pin their hopes on a rookie attack and field a new wicketkeeper when they take on the West Indies in the second test in Wellington starting on Wednesday following a slew of injuries.

The Black Caps lost the services of pacers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry during the drawn series-opener in Christchurch, all but crushing their victory hopes.

With Kyle Jamieson also unavailable for the Basin Reserve, the hosts have dug deep into their pace reserves to bring the uncapped duo of Michael Rae and Kristian Clarke into the squad.

Either could make a test debut in Wellington with seamer Jacob Duffy, who took his maiden five-wicket innings haul in his second test in Christchurch.

Three-test quick Blair Tickner is also available, with all-rounder Zak Foulkes offering part-time seam.

"Kristian and Michael are both identified players of interest with great ability, and have both been good performers for their domestic sides over the past few years," said New Zealand Head Coach Rob Walter.

"They both have good skill with the red-ball, and there’s a great opportunity for them to show that skill for us at the highest level of the game."

Canterbury wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay will make his test debut behind the stumps in place of Tom Blundell who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

With Mitch Santner sidelined, spin-bowling all-rounder Glenn Phillips is back in the squad after making a safe return to domestic cricket from a groin injury.

New Zealand will not reveal their final 11 until the toss on match-day.

With Justin Greaves producing an epic, unbeaten 202, the West Indies posted the second highest fourth-innings total in test history when they reached 457 for six in their chase of an improbable 531 in Christchurch.