A chance for the Black Caps to build depth and experience in the Chappell-Hadlee T20 series against Australia at home.
The 14-man squad's been depowered by injury.
Regular skipper Mitchell Santner, Will O'Rourke, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne are sidelined, while Kane Williamson's unavailable.
Coach Rob Walter told Mike Hosking it’s all part of the build-up to the T20 World Cup next year and in the same breath, series against Australia are always ultra-competitive.
He says they’re taking it one series, one game at a time, but still keeping an eye on what’s happening in the future.
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The Mike Hosking Breakfast