South Africa-born wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk will make his test debut for New Zealand against the Proteas at Dunedin today.
Van Wyk got a late call when first-choice wicketkeeper BJ Watling was ruled out with a hip injury at the end of New Zealand's training session yesterday.
It was a cruel blow for Watling, who scored his maiden test century in New Zealand's last test against Zimbabwe in January, making 102 not out in the Black Caps' first innings.
Van Wyk played several seasons of first-class cricket with and against several members of the South African team, including fast bowling aces Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
The 32-year-old right-hander has been a leading run-scorer in domestic first-class cricket this summer.
Van Wyk heads into his test debut having scored six first-class centuries and 26 half centuries during his career.
Meanwhile, Brendon McCullum looks set to move down the order for the Dunedin test.
With Rob Nicol in line to make his test debut, McCullum looks likely to drop down a spot after opening the innings for the last nine tests.
McCullum averages 45.13 opening the batting, having scored a double century and five 50s in 17 innings, compared to his career average of 36.32.
With Nicol being added to the squad, assistant coach Trent Woodhill told Radio Sport it made sense to move McCullum down to No3.
"He wouldn't drop any further than three. We'll look at that. Brendon scored a double hundred against India opening the batting. He's had success opening the batting in test cricket and is probably our most consistent player over a 12-month period batting at one," Woodhill said.
"But with Rob coming into the set-up and the team, he's an opener, he likes the new ball and Martin Guptill's obviously done well there. Brendon's shown a real maturity and leadership at No3 and if Wrighty [John Wright] and Ross Taylor feel that's the best way to go, then I think it can only be a positive for the team."
McCullum has batted at first drop on five occasions for the Black Caps, all in England during the 2004 and 2008 tours, which included a 96 at Lord's in just his fourth test.
Woodhill said the move shouldn't affect McCullum's form.
"I think Brendon realises test batsmen who bat at three are usually the best player in the team, history suggests that. He's a one, two or three and he's going to do the right thing by the team. He's going to lead whether he's captain, vice-captain or part of the XI.
"Brendon with his batting at the moment, especially in that one-day series, he's showing us the next three or four years are going to be an exciting time for him and New Zealand cricket."
Woodhill also said that the side would probably head into the first test with four quick bowlers after finding success with that strategy in the last two matches against Zimbabwe and Australia.