Khawaja was overlooked for the three-match ODI series opener, which New Zealand won by 159 runs at Eden Park.

Former Australia opener Michael Slater described the snubbing as a “joke” given Khawaja’s impressive Big Bash League (BBL) form.

Steve Smith flagged changes after his side’s woeful collapse of 5-8 in Auckland and chairman of selectors Rod Marsh delivered two today.

Shaun Marsh was dumped, with Khawaja to open the batting alongside David Warner on the weekend.

And legspinner Adam Zampa will debut at the Cake Tin, with allrounder James Faulkner having returned to Australia after tweaking his hamstring.

Khawaja was only called into the 14-man touring party after Aaron Finch injured his hamstring.

He hasn’t pulled on the canary yellow in a 50-over clash since 2013.

Khawaja suggested his three Test tons and two BBL centuries at home in 2015-16 counted for little now.

“Different conditions, different team,” Khawaja said.

“I’m not a big believer in form to be honest so I’ve just got to go out and keep doing the same things.

“Watching the ball, keeping it simple.”

Khawaja described his ODI return as a new challenge.

“Nothing I did previously has any effect on what I hopefully do tomorrow,” he said.

“The past is done… I’m feeling really good right now but that doesn’t always mean I’m going to score runs.”

The series finale is in Hamilton on Monday, while the ensuing two-Test series starts on Friday in Wellington.

-AAP