Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum will revert to his customary middle-order batting position for the ANZ Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

McCullum opened the batting in all three Tests during the recent series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, scoring a double-century in the final match at Sharjah.

The Blackcaps squad for the ANZ Boxing Day test has been announced. Photo: Tacy Hardy/File

But New Zealand Cricket's GM National Selection Bruce Edgar says McCullum will not continue in the role.

'This is another series, in different conditions and against a completely different opponent,” says Bruce. 'In these circumstances, we feel Brendon's better suited to, and offers more value, down the order.”

Other features of the 13-man squad include the selectors' preference for Mark Craig as the sole spin-bowler following his man-of-the-match performance in Sharjah, while Dean Brownlie has been recalled.

All-rounder Corey Anderson will be unavailable due to injury following a groin strain he suffered in the fourth ODI against Pakistan and was not considered for selection.

Blackcaps Test squad

• Brendon McCullum (c) – Otago Volts
• Trent Boult – Northern Knights
• Doug Bracewell – Central Stags
• Dean Brownlie – Northern Knights
• Mark Craig – Otago Volts
• Tom Latham - Canterbury
• James Neesham - Otago Volts
• Hamish Rutherford – Otago Volts
• Tim Southee – Northern Knights
• Ross Taylor – Central Stags
• Neil Wagner – Otago Volts
• BJ Watling – Northern Knights
• Kane Williamson – Northern Knights