Bell played his last Test against Australia in November 2001

New Zealand have recalled opener Matthew Bell after a six-year absence for two Tests against Bangladesh, the first of which starts on Friday.

The batting line-up has been shaken up after a 2-0 defeat in South Africa in November, with Scott Styris, Jamie How and Ross Taylor all left out.

Bell is currently averaging over 100 in the State Championship and recently made a career best 265.

"He's obviously in very good nick," selector Glenn Turner commented.

"He can bat time once he gets in - that was obviously an attraction when one looks at the skills for opening the batting.

"Batting has been a concern in recent seasons so we have selected players who we believe can occupy the crease for long periods."

The dropping of Styris is a major surprise as he has been a near permanent fixture in the side for the past five years.

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But he has averaged only 19 in 11 Test innings since his last Test century and has lost his place to Mathew Sinclair, who contemplated turning his back on New Zealand earlier this year before his name was added to the list of centrally contracted players.

On the bowling front, the Kiwis will have a depleted seam attack against Bangladesh, with Shane Bone, James Franklin and Mark Gillespie all unavailable because of injuries.

Chris Martin and Kyle Mills are set to share the new ball, backed up by either Michael Mason or Iain O'Brien.

Skipper Daniel Vettori will be the sole specialist spinner for the first Test in Dunedin, but will be joined in the squad by Jeetan Patel for the second game in Wellington.