I would like to see the new coach etc show some initiative & in particular a "no passengers" policy re form, fitness & role. If Braces has strong ideas on his requirements from the team he is almost obliged to start as he means to continue.
NZ are unlikely to pull off a series win in the sub continent without a full strength team playing at their best. A drawn series will be hard enough to achieve if NZ are required to win a Test to do so. Having said that I am hopeful for some changes to the squad as it appears unlikely that a series loss would change our standing in the Test rankings.
At this stage it would appear that Bond is out, Astle starting light training but would be unlikely to bowl, Cairns is still struggling, McMillan & Sinclair yet to show any improvement in form. Vettori has a hand injury & Macca has been recalled from his English season re an ankle injury.
To this extent I have big question marks re Cairns, McMillan, Sinclair, Adams, Harris & Astle. IMO it is the right scenario for new blood to give some options for more crucial series later, and to give these senior players a chance to fully recover & regain form.
I believe Vincent & Horne will make the squad - Horne did as well as anyone in SL, and Vincent is the designated backup 'keeper & his problems IMO have been as a result of being mucked around re his roles in the Test & ODI sides. Should the likes of Astle, McMillan & Sinclair not make the squad then it would be even more likely these 2 would get the nod.
Wiseman is likely to get the 2nd spin berth with Vettori, and I think Mason & Butler will cover Bond's spot.
I would like to see some variety in the bowling, particularly as we are likely to need at least 5 bowlers in the Tests (4 main & at least 2 backup) & this is where Astle will be missed as much as for his batting, as IMO you need someone to take the pace off the ball. Above all else they will need to have control over their line & length, which is my main concern re Adams.
If you are going to introduce new batsmen, particularly when it is difficult to judge recent form v spin, then the top order is the better area as they face most of the opening seam attack, whereas the middle & lower order are more likely to come to the crease facing spin.
I'm also a fan of innovation to suit the circumstances such as changes to the batting order in the 2nd innings. Eg Horne has international experience v spin & could be promoted to opener in the 2nd innings, should a newbie struggle v spin in the first.