Jimmy Neesham is back in the Black Caps' test squad.

The Otago all-rounder has been named in New Zealand's touring party for the three test series against Australia in November and December, having recovered from a back injury.

Neesham replaces his provincial team-mate Neil Wagner in the only change in the 15-man squad that toured England earlier this year.

Coach Mike Hesson said there's one main reason for that.

"We really value having a 6 who can bowl some overs for us, and some aggressive overs, so to carry another seamer just didn't work."

Another Otago player Mark Craig is again the only specialist spinner in the squad, with leg-spinner Ish Sodhi to play one-day matches for New Zealand A against Sri Lanka next month.

Hesson said they aim to be consistent with their selections and their job is made easier when players perform.

"I think we've got a pretty good balance for the three tests over there, we do need to look at possibly another spinner at the back end of the tour but that's something we'll cross later on."

Trent Boult and Tim Southee will once again be the key seamers, with Matt Henry and Doug Bracewell also in the squad. 

Luke Ronchi has retained his place as the back-up wicketkeeper to BJ Watling.

BLACKCAPS Test squad to Australia 2015
Brendon McCullum (captain)
Corey Anderson
Trent Boult
Doug Bracewell
Mark Craig
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Tom Latham
James Neesham
Luke Ronchi
Hamish Rutherford
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
BJ Watling
Kane Williamson

 

New Zealand A one-day squad
Tom Blundell
Michael Bracewell
Jacob Duffy
Andrew Mathieson
Henry Nicholls
Ed Nuttall
Michael Pollard
Hamish Rutherford
Mitchell Santner
Ish Sodhi
Ben Wheeler
George Worker
Will Young

 

New Zealand A four-day squad
Todd Astle 
Michael Bracewell
Dean Brownlie
Derek de Boorder
Jacob Duffy
Colin Munro
Henry Nicholls
Ed Nuttall
Jeet Raval
Mitchell Santner
Neil Wagner
Ben Wheeler
Will Young