Brownlie recalled to NZ team for 2nd Pakistan test
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: Batsman Dean Brownlie has been recalled to the New Zealand cricket team for the second test against Pakistan as cover for Ross Taylor who is being treated for an eye problem.
Australia-born Brownlie played the most recent of his 14 tests for New Zealand in 2013. He averages 29.62 in tests with one century and four half centuries and earned his recall with a century for Northern Districts in the latest round of New Zealand's domestic first class competition.
Taylor saw a specialist on Monday after experiencing problems with vision in his left eye during the first test at Christchurch which New Zealand won by eight wickets.
The veteran of 77 tests will remain with the New Zealand squad and will receive further treatment this week for what captain Kane Williamson said was a growth in his eye.Taylor first experienced the problem, known as surfer's eye, during New Zealand's tour to Australia last year and it has been linked to his recent lean run of form. He has played 10 test innings since his last half century.
"We're still waiting on a little more information on Ross before we make any decision on his availability for the second test," selector Gavin Larsen said. "Dean will come in as cover but we should know more in the next couple of days."
Allrounder Mitchell Santner will also rejoin the New Zealand team, replacing Jimmy Neesham, after recovering from a broken wrist which prevented him playing in the first test.
Pakistan will be without its captain Misbah-ul-Haq in Hamilton after the 42-year-old returned home because of a family illness.
Misbah has also been suspended for one test and fined 40 percent of his match fee over Pakistan's slow over rate during the first test, his second offense in a 12 month period.
The Pakistan players have been fined 20 percent of their match fees. The penalties were imposed by match referee Richie Richardson after Pakistan was two overs short of its target of 103 overs after time allowances were taken into consideration. -AP
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