New Zealand will need a new wicketkeeper for the opening Test against West Indies in Wellington after BJ Watling was forced to relinquish the gloves due to his ongoing hip problem.

The uncapped Tom Blundell is favourite to take the role although the decision won't be confirmed until after the New Zealand A match against West Indies.

Watling, who has not kept wicket in the last four Plunket Shield matches for Northern District, will remain part of the squad and could be considered as a specialist batsman. If he misses out completely it will be the first Test he is absent from since England at Headingley in 2013.

The New Zealand A squad for the warm-up match has also been hit by injury and illness with Martin Guptill (hamstring), Colin Munro (ill), Adam Milne (back) and Scott Kuggeleijn (ill) all withdrawing.