Depth in New Zealand's current team 'the best it's ever been during my career' – Ross Taylor

"The depth is definitely the best it's ever been during my career," Taylor said ahead of the second Test against England on Thursday, 28 November. "When I first started, I thought if we had a guy on debut we sort of hoped the player would do well. Now we expect the player to do well and that's a good place to be.

"It's exciting to be giving other guys an opportunity and test the depth of this team. That's probably been a strength of the side in recent times: guys who have come in have succeeded straightaway and put pressure on the incumbents."

New Zealand suffered two blows ahead of the Hamilton Test, with fast bowler Trent Boult and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme ruled out with injuries.

The hosts already have two able pacers to replace Boult in the squad: Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, who is yet to make his first Test appearance. For de Grandhomme, New Zealand have opted to go for a like-for-like replacement, handing the opportunity to Northern Districts all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is set to make his maiden Test appearance.

"Colin de Grandhomme leaves some big shoes to fill but Daryl has some experience of international cricket at T20 level," Taylor said. "He had a very good campaign around the first-class scene, too, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes.

"Whoever plays [in place of Boult] – Henry or Ferguson – will do very well. They are slightly different bowlers – Lockie has that extra pace, but Matt has been outstanding for us with the new ball – but they've both got their strengths. They have big shoes to fill, too, but both can do a great job and perform a similar role. Whoever we go with, we'll have a lot of confidence in."

New Zealand lead the two-Test series 1-0. The second game starts tomorrow at Seddon Park.