Injured O'Brien and Flynn retained for second Test

Injured players Daniel Flynn and Iain O'Brien have been retained in the New Zealand squad for the second Test against India starting on March 26 in Napier. However Jamie How has been called up as cover for Flynn who bruised his hand in the first Test. There was no fracture, but the hand was swollen, affecting Flynn's ability to bat. He will be assessed on Wednesday.

Jacob Oram, who made himself unavailable for the first Test because he was not yet confident of playing a five-day game after recovering from injury, was not considered despite captain Daniel Vettori being keen to have him in the squad.

Offspinner Jeetan Patel returned to the squad after being released to play for Wellington in the State Championship match against Otago where he took 6 for 137. Coach Andy Moles had indicated on Sunday that Patel would play in Napier.

Glenn Turner, the head of the selection panel, said Oram was excluded because he was yet to regain full match fitness. "He's only had a couple of days in the domestic competition, and after talking with him we agree he'd benefit from more game time to get up to the fitness level needed for the Test side," Turner said.

The only omission from the first Test squad is uncapped bowler Brent Arnel, who was not considered after picking up a side strain during a State Championship match.

O'Brien also suffered a side strain during the Test but was hopeful of recovering in the next couple of days.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (capt), Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Martin Guptill Tim McIntosh, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Jamie How.