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New Zealand confirmed on Tuesday that Henry Nicholls will take Kane Williamson's place in their playing XI for the second Test against England, which will start on Wednesday at The Oval.

Nicholls has been called in after Kane Williamson retired from international cricket immediately following New Zealand's defeat in the opening Test at Lord's earlier this month. His retirement has left a gaping hole in the Black Caps batting line-up, with Williamson retiring as New Zealand's all-time leading run scorer across all formats.

Captain Tom Latham stated on Tuesday that Nicholls was selected over Will Young and that he would slot into the key number three spot.

The call-up represents Nicholls' return to the Test side, more than 11 months since his last appearance in the red ball format against Zimbabwe. The 34-year-old now faces the unenviable task of replacing one of the greatest players in New Zealand's cricketing history, but Latham is confident that Nicholls is ready for the challenge.

Latham insisted that Nicholls' vast experience in the domestic circuit for Canterbury would see him adapt quickly to the international stage.

Latham said:

"It's a really exciting opportunity for him to come back into the side in a role, at three, that he's been doing for Canterbury at home."

"I think the good thing with Henry is he's always been able to adapt to situations. He's pretty much batted from the top to the middle throughout his international career, and he'll do whatever is required for the team."

Nicholls has played 58 Test matches for New Zealand, and his experience in this form of the game will be crucial for the side as they look to hit back after their heavy defeat at Lord's.

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Williamson's retirement mid-series came as a shock to the cricket world and left the Black Caps with arguably the greatest batter of their era missing from their side. The team however completely backed Williamson's decision.

Latham said:

"For him to acknowledge that he's not quite right, or that he can't necessarily give 100 per cent, is testament to the player that he is, but also the person that he is as well. We're obviously gutted not to have him, but we also acknowledge what he's done for this group over a long period of time. We're certainly behind him and we'll wish him all the best for what the next chapter holds."

The Black Caps also had some positive news on the team front. Opener Devon Conway, who travelled back to New Zealand for the birth of his second child, returned and was available for selection in the side.

Captain Latham stated that Conway was "good to go" for the second Test.

Fast bowler Matt Henry, who struggled with a back spasm problem throughout the first Test at Lord's, was also seen bowling in the nets during training, and is making a push to be fit for Wednesday's match.

With the series on the line for the Black Caps, they will be praying for the inclusion of Nicholls in the team as they look to make up for Kane Williamson's absence in the middle order.