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Martin Guptill called into Black Caps' Test squad as cover for Ross Taylor

March 19, 2018
Blackcaps payer Martin Guptill batting during the first test in the ANZ International Series, Test Match cricket match between the New Zealand Blackcaps v Sri Lanka held at the University Oval, Dunedin. 10 December 2015. Photo: Joseph Johnson / www.photosport.nz

Martin Guptill has been added to the Black Caps’ squad as batting cover for the first pink ball Test in New Zealand - despite Ross Taylor recovering well from a thigh injury.

Taylor is expected to take a full part in training on Tuesday and should be ready for the first day at Eden Park on Thursday.

"Ross is progressing nicely and is expected to take a full part in training,” selector Gavin Larsen said.

However, Guptill's call-up is a sign that selectors still believe the ODI and T20 star has a future in the long-form of the game after last playing Test cricket in 2016.

"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.

He made 73 last week against England batting No.3 for a New Zealand XI in a two-day warm-up match.

Guptill, who opens for New Zealand in white ball cricket, has a highest Test score of 189 batting No.5.

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