Martin Guptill added to New Zealand Test squad as Ross Taylor's backup

New Zealand batsman, Martin Guptill has been added to New Zealand squad ahead of the Test series against England. Meanwhile, Guptill comes as a replacement for Ross Taylor, who is nursing an injury. Taylor aggravated his thigh injury in the fourth ODI versus England but is likely to play the Test.

Guptill scored a timely 73 for New Zealand XI versus England XI in a practice match to prove his worth. Previously Guptill said that e would bat in the middle order in the longest format of the game. If Taylor isn’t fit to play, Guptill will take the middle order slot in the batting order.

“We opted for extra batting cover for that final spot and with Martin playing in the middle-order recently, he can cover a number of positions for us,” selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement.”Ross is progressing nicely and is likely to take a full part in training tomorrow,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Guptill has played 48 Test matches for the Black Caps scoring 2586 runs at an average of 29.38. However, his last match was in October 2016 against India at Indore. He has also made just one appearance in the Plunket Shield this season.

Squad: Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wk), Todd Astle, Tom Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill.

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