Monday 19 March 2018 10:02, UK
New Zealand have added Martin Guptill to their squad ahead of the two-Test series against England which starts in Auckland on Thursday.
Guptill opens the batting for the Black Caps in limited-overs cricket and appears to have been added to the Test squad as cover for Ross Taylor, who has been struggling with a thigh injury.
Taylor was forced to sit out the one-day international series decider against England in Christchurch, although he is on course to feature in the upcoming day-night Test at Eden Park.
"We opted for extra batting cover for that final spot - and with Martin having been playing in the middle order recently, he can cover a number of positions for us," said New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen.
"Ross is progressing nicely and is expected to take a full part in training tomorrow [Tuesday]."
Guptill struggled at times during the home side's 3-2 defeat to England in the ODI series but hit 73 batting at No 3 as captain of a New Zealand XI against Joe Root's side in their second warm-up match in Hamilton.
The 31-year-old has 47 Test caps and an average of just under 30, but last played on the tour of India in October 2016.
Watch the opening Test between New Zealand and England in the early hours of Thursday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at midnight.
