New Zealand strike bowler Trent Boult and captain Kane Williamson have opted out of the T20 series against the West Indies, in order to be fully fit for the Test series.
The Windies are booked to face New Zealand in a three-match T20 international series, which will run between the 27th to 30th of this month.
Both Boult and Williamson had several strong performances in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season, but the Blackcaps have prioritised the Test series. New Zealand are eyeing a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year. They are currently fourth in the standings and need to beat West Indies in the two-Test series in December to stake their claim.
"We've had to make a decision on Kane and Trent to prioritise the test matches, given how important they are to our red-ball team and the fact they both played such big roles in the recent IPL while also managing injuries," New Zealand coach Gary Stead said after announcing the squads.
"There's no secret we're right in the hunt for the World Test Championship final following our two-nil win over India and having Trent and Kane fully fit and focussed for the upcoming series will be crucial."