Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the third Test in Hamilton starting on Wednesday, while Trent Boult looks likely to make a return.

Taylor, who picked up a calf injury in the first Test, failed to recover in time, according to New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen. After suffering an eight-wicket defeat to the Proteas in the second Test, which ended in three days, the Kiwis could receive a potential boost with Boult’s return.

‘We’ve decided to go with the same unit,’ Larsen told reporters in Wellington on Monday.

‘We’ve got 100 percent faith in the fact we think we’ve got the best group of Test cricketers in the country and we’ve got a Test match to win in Hamilton.’

Seddon Park is expected to be a turning wicket and both sides have displayed an interest in fielding two-three spinners. This could mean that Mitchell Santner is likely to replace either one of the all-rounders Jimmy Neesham or Colin de Grandhomme in the side.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Neil Broom, Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Matt Henry.

Photo: John Cowpland/www.photosport.nz