Martin Guptill added as cover to New Zealand Test side as Ross Taylor battles thigh injury

  • 20/03/2018
Martin Guptill has three Test hundreds in 47 Tests matches.
Martin Guptill has three Test hundreds in 47 Tests matches. Photo credit: Photosport

New Zealand have added experienced bat Martin Guptill to their squad of 13 for the first Test against England in Auckland, a day-nighter starting on Thursday.

With Ross Taylor battling a thigh injury sustained during the one-day series against the touring side, Guptill's inclusion will give New Zealand a extra option across the batting order.

"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," selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

"Ross is progressing nicely and is expected to take a full part in training tomorrow (Tuesday). The team are looking forward to what will be a special match beginning on Thursday."

The first match in the two-Test series at Eden Park will be the maiden day- nighter in New Zealand.

Reuters