Cricket: Black Caps wait on all-rounders

Jimmy Neesham and Corey Anderson will be out of international action for the rest of the year. Photos / NZME

The Black Caps will have to wait until the new year to have their two main all-rounders back in the test squad.

Corey Anderson and James Neesham have both just returned to domestic cricket as they recover from respective back injuries.

Coach Mike Hesson said they are still playing with limitations, and won't be ready for the tests against Sri Lanka.

"Both playing as batsmen at the moment but both at different stages. Corey possibility in the new year in some capacity with the ball, James probably a bit further away."

Hesson will sit down and chat with opener Martin Guptill to pinpoint his form slump after averaging just 13 in the series in Australia.

"Gavin (Larsen) and I will have to sit down and get things sorted before the Sri Lankan series but we're pretty well known for being loyal to players that have done well for us in the past and Martin is one of those so we have some time to get his game up."

Meanwhile Hesson's commented on widespread skepticism around the new day-night format has appeared to drop after the inaugural test between the Black Caps and Australia

He believes the seam's visibility is the one minor complaint.

"At the moment it's just a blur. We sort of need to see where it's a dark line in between the seam. I know they've tried different coloured stitching, but it's more the middle seam that needs to be looked at so that you can at least get a gauge."