Brand stepped up to lead the side during this two-Test series as it co-incides with the country's premier domestic T20 league, the second season of SA20. All of South Africa's main players are participating in the league, causing Cricket South Africa (CSA) to name a second-string side.
During the second day of the Test match at Mount Maunganui, Rachin registered the highest score by a maiden century-maker in the history of New Zealand Cricket.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson's unbeaten 219-run stand ensured that New Zealand had firm control at the end of Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at the Bay Oval on Sunday.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead opened up on picking Rachin Ravindra over Henry Nicholls for the forthcoming home Test series against South Africa and said that it was a "very tough decision".
The two-Test series between South Africa and New Zealand will take place from February 4 onwards till February 17, with two games set to be played in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton.
New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been pulled out of Kiwi's forthcoming fifth T20I match against Pakistan to manage his workload, according to ESPNcricinfo.
"A pair of exciting fast bowlers and two classy left-hand batters are in the running for ICC Men's Emerging Cricketer of the Year honours for 2023," ICC said in an official statement.
After being ruled out with his injury during the World Cup, Henry is set to make his return to domestic action on Friday, before joining the 13-player New Zealand squad for the five-match series beginning on January 12.