Guptill included in Test squad as cover for Ross Taylor
Kiwi batsman Martin Guptill has been named in the 13-man squad ahead of New Zealand’s opening day-night Test against England. After losing a 5-ODI series against the visitors, New Zealand will look forward to turning things around in the 2-match Test series.
Guptill, after his crucial knock of 73 runs for New Zealand XI against England XI, has been added to the squad as a cover for an injured Ross Taylor. Taylor suffered a thigh injury during his match-winning innings of 181 runs against England in the 4th ODI and was ruled out of the next ODI as well as the upcoming Test in Wellington.
"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. The team is looking forward to what will be a special match beginning on Thursday," he added.
Martin Guptill has played 47 Tests for the Black Caps and has 3 centuries in the format under his belt. He was axed from the Test team in 2016 after New Zealand suffered a whitewash in 3-Test series against India.
With Guptill in the squad, New Zealand will play their first day-night Test on Thursday.
New Zealand squad: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.
England squad: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Foakes (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Jack Leach.
