Cricket: Ross Taylor to remain with Black Caps despite eye problem

Ross Taylor will stay with the New Zealand squad for this week's second test against Pakistan. Photo/ Photosport

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor will stay with the New Zealand squad for this week's second test against Pakistan, but cover has been brought in.

Taylor has been troubled by issues with his left eye for some time. It flared up during the first test win in Christchurch when Taylor didn't take his usual place at No 4 in the batting lineup as New Zealand closed in on their eight-wicket victory at Hagley Oval yesterday.

The 77-test veteran saw an eye specialist in Christchurch today and will have his eye assessed again in the next couple of days before the second test starts in Hamilton on Friday.

Former international, Northern Districts' Dean Brownlie will join the squad as cover for Taylor.

''We're still waiting on a little more information on Ross before we make any decision on his availability for the second test," national selector Gavin Larsen said.

''Dean will come in as cover, but we should know more in the next couple of days."

In addition, allrounder Mitchell Santner has rejoined the squad after making a rapid recovery from his fractured left wrist. He injured it three weeks ago and had the cast taken off late last week.

Left arm spinner Santner replaces Jimmy Neesham in the squad, with Neesham rejoining Otago for their Plunket Shield game against Wellington starting tomorrow.