The BLACKCAPS open The National Bank Series against Sri Lanka with the first Test of the summer at Christchurch’s Jade Stadium. 
Captain admitted the home team is longing for a return to the five-day game, a two-match taste ahead of an exciting One-Day International programme, peaking with the ICC World Cup next year.
Fleming said: “We’re determined to play these two Tests with all we’ve got. They’re a precious commodity to us these days.”
has a hamstring injury, while a knee injury means also joins on the sidelines.
A new look top-order is likely to include , and . All three have international experience, but have not yet played Test cricket in the same team.
Fleming said: “The good thing is they’ve been in the squad before and they understand what it’s about. They’ve learned an immense amount in a short amount of time.
“The opportunity’s there to show what they’ve learned, and improved, and it’s a great chance to play another test match, which I know they value a lot.”
The BLACKCAPS will announce their side and 12th man at the toss. The tourists will also confirm their side on Thursday morning, but may well use Kumar Sangakkara as a specialist batsman and Prasanna Jayawardene at wicketkeeper.
BLACKCAPS (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Craig Cumming, James Franklin, Jamie How, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Daniel Vettori.
Sri Lanka (from): M Jayawardene (captain) , K Sangakkara, S Jayasuriya , U Tharanga, T Dilshan, C Kapugedera, C Silva , P Jayawardene, F Maharoof, C Vaas , L Malinga, D Fernando, A Ganegama, M Muralitharan.
- BLACKCAPS profiles and statistics
- The National Bank Series - ticket information
- BLACKCAPS v Sri Lanka - National Bank First Test live scores @ from Thursday, 7 December, 10.30am
