WELLINGTON — New Zealand has added experienced batsman Martin Guptill to its 13-man squad for the first Test against England in Auckland, a day-nighter which starts Thursday.

With Ross Taylor battling a thigh injury sustained during the one-day series against the touring side, Guptill’s inclusion will give New Zealand a extra option across the batting order.

“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 in a statement from New Zealand Cricket.

“Ross is progressing nicely and is expected to take a full part in training tomorrow (Tuesday). The team are looking forward to what will be a special match beginning on Thursday.”

The first match in the two-Test series at Eden Park will be the maiden day-nighter in New Zealand.

Stokes a welcome boost

The return of all-rounder Ben Stokes will be a welcome boost to the England squad as he provides much-needed balance and lifts morale, teammate Moeen Ali said ahead of the two-match Test series in New Zealand.

Stokes returned for the One-Day Internationals against New Zealand last month after a lengthy absence due to an affray charge relating to an incident in September, helping England win the series 3-2.

The 26-year-old faces a late fitness test after sitting out the warm-up game against New Zealand XI due to a back injury. Stokes also missed the Ashes series in Australia which England lost 4-0.

“He’s always great for the team,” Moeen told The Telegraph. “The balance of the team is pretty much sorted when he’s in the team.

“It’s just having him in the side, knowing we’ve got a much stronger side when he’s playing. It gives everyone else a good lift, and obviously him being at slip for me, he’s very good in that position.”

Moeen, 30, will play his 50th Test in New Zealand’s first home day-night Test. — Agencies