Henry gets the nod ahead of first Test

Black Caps' skipper Kane Williamson.

Black Caps' skipper Kane Williamson has turned to right-arm seamer Matt Henry ahead of today's first Test against the West Indies in Wellington.

Tauranga-born Williamson opted for Henry over Lockie Ferguson as a replacement for pace bowler Tim Southee, who will sit out the Basin Reserve clash to be with his wife, who is due to give birth to their second child.

Henry, 25, got the nod ahead of Ferguson despite the Aucklander taking seven wickets for New Zealand A against the Windies earlier this week.

Explaining the decision, Williamson says: 'He (Henry) probably hasn't had the opportunities he's deserved and now is a great opportunity for him.

"He's a different bowler to Lockie but has been bowling with good pace and does tend to move the ball well."

Henry will join a three-pronged pace attack alongside Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.

On the Basin Reserve wicket, Williamson says he wouldn't be surprised if the surface suited both bowlers and batsmen.

'As the days develop and the pitch ages it does become a good batting surface.

'There's always bounce for all bowlers so spinners get a bit out of it, seamers get a bit out of it."

"And as batters there's always value for your shots because there's a fast outfield and good pace in the surface."

The first Test begins at 11am this morning, with the Black Caps lining up as follows:

Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.

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