text: Boult (side strain) and de Grandhomme (abdominal tear) had missed the second Test against England in Hamilton. However, now they have recovered from it.
  The two men are an integral part of the Kiwi projects as they are aiming for a first series in Australia since 1985. Since the Test Championship has got underway, New Zealand have performed significantly well in the longer format and are ranked 3rd in the table just below Australia.
  Earlier, Boult strained one of the muscles overlying his ribs on his right-hand side on the fifth and final day of New Zealand's opening Test against England at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. This series will also offer them an opportunity to grab the 2nd spot in the points table.
  Boult, who claimed 255 wickets at 27.64, put his team to the test in the first Black Caps win at Testes in Bay Oval of Mount Maunganui, and did not play the game. "The pair will travel with the team to Perth tomorrow", New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on its official Twitter handle.
  In Boult's absence, Matt Henry played the second Test against England but New Zealand will need to give serious consideration into introducing the extra pace of uncapped Lockie Ferguson.
  De Grandhomme provides important balance to the New Zealand side.
  One of the best bowlers of his generation, his left arm Boult excels with the pink ball with an impressive 16 wickets to 12.5 in two games. He was mainly responsible for the fact that England was reduced to 58% a year ago, when he claimed 6-32 in a devastating spell with the new ball. It was the main reason behind England getting dismissed at a lowly score of 58 in the first innings of the game. He averages 40.33 with the bat and 29.63 with the ball in 19 Tests. After the day-night Test in Perth, Australia and New Zealand will lock horns in the traditional Boxing Day and New Year Test at the MCG and SCG respectively.