Any problem that might have arisen attempting to fit four people into three positions was solved when the other incumbent, Mike Shrimpton, was appointed coach of the New Zealand women's team.

Shrimpton has transferred to the women's selection panel, where he will serve with new convener Lesley Murdoch and the reappointed Eileen Badham. The national age group panel comprises Dayle Hadlee (convener), Ashley Ross, and Bruce Morrison.

Meanwhile, India will play a day-night international at Lancaster Park on Saturday, January 16, during its cricket tour of New Zealand.

The Christchurch encounter will be the fourth in a five-match series, which also includes a day-nighter at Napier and fixtures in Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington.

Dunedin's Carisbrook regains its test status, having been chosen for the first of a three-match series from December 18.

New Zealand opening batsman Bryan Young should appreciate that if he retains his position. He scored an unbeaten 267 in the innings win over Sri Lanka when Carisbrook last hosted a test in March 1997.

The second test starts at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Boxing Day, with the third at WestpacTrust Park in Hamilton from January 2.

Warmup games will be played against Central Districts and Wellington.

Tour itinerary

Dec 4: Arrive in New Zealand. Dec 7-10: Central Districts at McLean Park, Napier. Dec 12-15: Wellington at Basin Reserve. Dec 18-22: FIRST TEST, Carisbrook, Dunedin. Dec 26-30: SECOND TEST, Basin Reserve, Wellington. Jan 2-6: THIRD TEST, WestpacTrust Park, Hamilton. Jan 9: ODI at Eden Park, Auckland. Jan 12: ODI at Hamilton. Jan 14: ODI (day-night) Napier. Jan 16: ODI (day-night) Lancaster Park, Christchurch. Jan 19: ODI at Wellington.