New Zealand's team to contest the tri-series in Australia with the home team and South Africa will now be named on January 3.

It was originally intended the side would be named on December 29.

However, the chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee said there were several reasons for making the change.

It would give the players concerned two matches in the State Shield competition which would give them some preparatory one-day cricket and the selectors were keen to see fringe contenders for the side make their bid for selection.

"We haven't had a chance to review the one-day form of the players this summer so we want to see as many players as we can before we make the final selection.

"There are some players struggling with form and others on the verge of selection.

"This gives those individuals another chance to put their hands up against their peers," he said.

It would also minimise disruption of the side should any injuries occur to key players in the first two rounds of games.

The decision to leave the naming as late as possible would place some pressure on players flying to Australia, but it had always been intended the players would travel in two groups from Christchurch and Auckland.

© CricInfo