Black Caps fast bowler Tim Southee has been ruled out of the first test against the West Indies due to the pending birth of his first child.
The Black Caps open their summer schedule with the first test at the Basin Reserve on Friday.
Lockie Ferguson joined the squad earlier this week and will battle with Matt Henry for the third pace bowling spot behind Trent Boult and Neil Wagner.
"Two very good options for us," Black Caps coach Mike Hesson told Martin Devlin on Radio Sport's The DRS show.
"Matt Henry, the last test match he played against South Africa, he was outstanding. And Lockie certainly deserves his spot so it's going to be an interesting debate over the coming days. We're certainly happy with our options."