Cricket: Taylor's calf throws doubt over season

Ross Taylor expects to be out of action for three to four weeks after he damaged his calf taking off for a single in the one-off test at McLean Park, Napier, yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

To bat on this morning or get stuck into the Zimbabwe batting from the off? That's the poser for the New Zealand brains trust after rain ruined the second day of the one-off test at McLean Park yesterday.

And the hosts will have a new man in charge on the field, after Ross Taylor tore his right calf muscle batting in the 15.2 overs before play was halted.

Taylor last night said he would be out of action for three to four weeks.

Brendon McCullum will be in charge and, as a man who has positive intent as his default position, don't be surprised if seamers Chris Martin and co are marking out their runups when play starts at 10am today.

It would certainly be the attack-minded move and if New Zealand back themselves, they may figure they have enough runs from which to position themselves for victory later.

New Zealand are 392 for five, with BJ Watling having made the most of his first opportunity back in the team getting to 52 - his second test half century - and Doug Bracewell on 11. New Zealand had added 61 runs and were making solid progress.

Taylor, having moved from 111 overnight to 122, damaged his calf taking off for a single and after a brief on-field assessment limped off. He went to hospital for a check and returned to the ground on crutches and with his leg bandaged.

The injury also complicates the situation for selectors John Wright and Kim Littlejohn, who today reveal their T20 and ODI squads for five games against Zimbabwe in the next fortnight.

South Africa are around the corner. Their visit starts with six short-form internationals, with three tests to finish in March.

Taylor will be itching to get back as soon as possible but pragmatism should dictate when he returns.

Losing time yesterday won't help New Zealand's ambition to beat Zimbabwe, but equally three full days remain - and the weather forecast is good - and that should be sufficient, provided the bowlers do a good job.

Zimbabwe will be batting in foreign conditions in more ways than one, with the pitch freshened up by the rain.

The follow-on mark in test cricket is 200 runs, so should they declare overnight, New Zealand will want to get into their work smartly in the Zimbabwe first innings.

But that's for later in the test. In that period, Watling's test-keeping credentials will be examined.

Last night he wasn't thinking that far ahead. Batting was on his mind and he was happy with his effort yesterday. "It was good to get out ... hit a few out of the middle and find some form," said the 26-year-old, in his seventh test.

Batting down the order at No 7, rather than his usual place in the top three, didn't faze Watling.

Indeed, he was able to use the situation to his advantage when he came out to bat late on Thursday.

The second new ball was due, it was a tricky period to negotiate and he was able to visualise it as an opening experience.

Watling hit seven fours in his 97-ball innings. It was an important innings for him, wanting to justify coach Wright's faith in his talents not only with the gloves but also the bat.

He passed his first test well, playing assertively. Stiffer challenges are looming, but this was an encouraging start to the rebirth of his test career as national wicketkeeper.