Harmison, 29, who retired from one-day internationals 18 months ago, has struggled for form since England's 2005 Ashes success.

But Hoggard, 31, has been one of England's most potent attackers and his omission is more surprising.

This is the first time the duo have been dropped since helping England regain the Ashes nearly three years ago and leaves the tourists with an inexperienced attack with only 32 caps between Ryan Sidebottom, Anderson and Broad.

But Vaughan said: "It's quite an exciting time. I'm leading a new attack into a Test match.

"It certainly looks very exciting, even if it is a little bit lacking in experience but I think they have enough talent to take them through and put the New Zealand batsmen under a lot of pressure."

Nottinghamshire's Broad claimed six wickets in the first three ODIs against New Zealand and his ability with the bat - he started his cricketing career as an opening batsman - will be an added bonus.

Asked whether England had considered making a change in the batting line-up, Vaughan added: "Not really...a change was talked about but we thought they deserved another opportunity to try and put it right this week."

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