New Zealand hopeful over batsman's fitness for first Test

09:31 - 05 May 2015

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Martin Guptill could miss the first Test between New Zealand and England later this month due to a side strain.

New Zealand are hopeful opening batsman Martin Guptill will be fit for the first Test with England after being ruled out of their tour opener.

Guptill suffered a side strain playing for Derbyshire against Gloucestershire, during a game in which he scored a spectacular 227.

As a result he will be unavailable for the Black Caps' tour opener versus Somerset, which starts on Friday.

"We are hopeful that we will be able get Martin ready to play at Worcester [in the team's second tour match] but we will see how he recovers," New Zealand physiotherapist James Montgomery said.

"With good treatment and a reduced workload, the goal is to get him back on the park for some game time so he is available for selection for the first Test at Lord's on May 21."