Opener Jeet Raval has been dropped and replaced by 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell, who has played two Tests for New Zealand.
Blundell last represented the Black Caps in the long form in 2017, scoring a century on debut against the West Indies.
The decision to inject Blundell comes after 31-year-old India-born opener Raval struggled through the First Test with scores of 1 and 1 in Perth.
Raval had only managed 54 runs across his last seven innings in five Test matches for New Zealand.
Trent Boult is also set to return after a side strain, to replace the injured Lockie Ferguson who went down on his debut.
New Zealand veteran Ross Taylor was excited to see Blundell return to the site and open the batting in place of Raval.
“I couldn’t think of a better place to be introduced to opening the batting,” Taylor said.
“He started off with a hundred in his Test debut back home in New Zealand and he definitely won’t be overawed by the occasion.
“I think one of his strengths is pace bowling. He loves to play the short ball. He hasn’t played a lot of Test cricket but when he has played he’s got a hundred on debut.”
Blundell batted at number eight when he scored his hundred on debut but would be elevated to open.
“I haven’t really opened the batting before,” Blundell said.
“I have done a little bit of it in white ball. It’s a great opportunity and I am looking forward to it.
“It’s a mindset shift. It’s being a little bit patient outside off stump and getting through 30-odd balls and once you do that, expanding my game from there.”