All-rounder Daryl Mitchell will write another chapter in his family's love-hate relationship with England sport, when he makes his test cricket debut in Hamilton on Friday.
The son of former All Blacks rugby coach John Mitchell has already turned out for the Blackcaps in T20 format, most recently against the English earlier this month, but will make his first international appearance in the game's purest form in this week's second test against the tourists.
Mitchell Jnr has been confirmed as an all-rounder replacement for Colin de Grandhomme, who suffered an abdominal tear, while fielding in the first test victory at Mt Maunganui.
"It's obviously an exciting time for him," says Blackcaps veteran Ross Taylor, who informed media of the selection on Thursday.
"He's got some big shoes to fill, but he's had some good experience at 20-20 level and very good campaign on the first-class scene, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes tomorrow."
Taylor said his teammate had taken the announcement in his stride.
"He's pretty level-headed and doesn't show much emotion. Sometimes, when you play your first game for New Zealand - regardless of the format - you're pretty nervous.
"I'm sure he will be nervous, but that 20-20 experience will be something for him to fall back on.
"You've got to let them be who they are and express themselves, but the cap presentation tonight will be something special. We know what it felt like to get your first cap and the boys will make it special."
Father John played a prominent role in the Rugby World Cup semi-final downfall of the All Blacks. Mitchell Snr is England's defence coach - a defence that held New Zealand to just seven points.
Mitchell Jnr, 28, faced England in three T20 encounters earlier this month, as well as a three-day warm-up match for the test series. Since his 2012 first-class debut, he has compiled nearly 3500 runs and seven centuries at an average of 35.65, including a career-high 170 not out against Canterbury in October.
He's also taken 61 wickets at an average of 33.57 runs, with best figures of 4/39.
Fast bowler Trent Boult has also been ruled out with a rib injury, but Taylor said a decision on his replacement would be made on Friday morning, when pitch conditions became more apparent.
Matt Henry and would-be debutant Lockie Ferguson are the candidates for the third pace-bowling spot.
Taylor insisted the depth in NZ cricket and ability to cover key injuries was the best it had been during his career.
"When I first started out, I thought, when we had a guy on debut, we sort of hoped that player would do well," he said. "Now, we expect the player to do well and I think that's a good place to be."
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