Cricket: Bracewell back ahead of Henry

Doug Bracewell of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand have settled on their side for the opening Test against Australia with Doug Bracewell grabbing the final pace berth on offer.

Selectors were weighing up whether Bracewell or Matt Henry should be picked as the third quick behind openers Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

"It was a bit of a coin toss with them but we were comfortable either way," NZ skipper Brendon McCullum said on Wednesday.

"They're both very similar bowlers.

"We just thought Doug was bowling a touch better at this time."

Allrounder James Neesham will bat at No.6 with keeper BJ Watling at No.7.

Meanwhile, McCullum revealed he'd spoken with David Warner on Wednesday.

Warner had been highly critical of a column that McCullum wrote during the Ashes.

"I've caught up with Davey downstairs," McCullum said.

"He's a guy who I'd pay to watch play. I've got a whole lot of respect for Davey Warner. "I've got a huge amount of admiration for him and Steve Smith."