New Zealand's top-order woes have led to the call-up of Mathew Sinclair as cover going into the first Test against Australia.

The Black Caps' batting problems have again been exposed during the one-day series against Australia, and selector Mark Greatbatch admitted that was on the minds of his team when calling in Sinclair, who replaces Neil Broom.

"We felt we needed a cover top-order batter, rather than cover for our middle order, so Neil is a little unlucky in that respect," Greatbatch said.

Greatbatch also confirmed that all-rounder and captain Daniel Vettori will bat sixth in the order.

"He has been very successful there over the last half-dozen tests," he said. "It also gives a very good balance to our side. It enables us to play the five bowlers we are looking for, whether that is four seamers and one spinner, or three seamers and two spinners in our squad, we have the ability to be flexible.

The first test against Australia starts on Friday.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori, Brent Arnel, Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel, Mathew Sinclair, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey, BJ Watling.