Ross Taylor says New Zealand’s injury issues ahead of India's visit could help rather than hinder their T20 World Cup preparations.
Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson are both missing along with Matt Henry, Doug Bracewell, Adam Milne and Seth Rance.
However, despite the set-backs, Taylor thinks getting to try new combinations could benefit the Black Caps moving forwards.
He said: “Probably right from the Sri Lanka series and England, the focus has been on the World Cup.
“It will be different conditions in Australia but getting those combinations, trying a few different guys out, obviously a few injuries as well which changes the dynamic of the side, but it tests the depth out and gives guys opportunities which bodes well for competition for spots.
“It's the first time a T20 World Cup is there (Australia) and you watch the Big Bash, there are big boundaries so you are going to have to skin the cat differently than how you play in New Zealand and other parts of the world.”
New Zealand start a five-game T20I series against India in Auckland on Friday.
New Zealand are available at 2.63 (11/8) with bet365 to start with a bang back on home soil.
India are made short-priced favourites to take an early lead in the series. They can be backed at 1.50 (1/2) to bag the win at Eden Park.
Taylor looking to put Australia disappointment behind him
Taylor thinks a return to New Zealand could be a big factor in helping his side recover from a disappointing series defeat in Australia.
He said: “It didn't go as well as we would have liked, we were completely outplayed in all facets of the game throughout the whole series. But now we're back on home soil and India will be a totally different opposition.
“They're the number one team in the world, but we're obviously in conditions that we know, so let's get through the white-ball phase first before we get on to talking about that (Tests).”
India's own injury issues
India have a big injury problem of their own after opener Shikhar Dhawan damaged his shoulder.
He will miss the T20 clashes in New Zealand and won't travel with the squad.
The visitors should be able to manage his absence with Rohit Sharma back in the T20 squad and KL Rahul in fine form.
Mohammad Shami is also back in the squad to add more depth to a pace attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur.
