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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