Santner, Taylor ruled out of second Test

New Zealand's hopes of squaring the Trans-Tasman Test series next weekend in Christchurch have taken a blow with star batsman Ross Taylor and spin-bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner ruled out.

Taylor, who scored a memorable 290 against the Australians in the WACA Test in November, has not recovered enough from a side strain to be fit for the second and final Test, starting Saturday.

Match Report: Dominant Aussies win in Wellington

Taylor tore a muscle in his left side during the Black Caps ODI series against Pakistan in December and also missed the Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia earlier this month, which New Zealand won 2-1.

Santner hurt his right foot in the second ODI against Australia in Wellington and is still suffering the effects of bone bruising.

Taylor was replaced by debutant batsman Henry Nicholls in the first Test that New Zealand lost by an innings and 52 runs, with the 24-year-old scoring a second-innings 59 before he was bowled by Jackson Bird.

With Santner ruled out, offspinner Mark Craig has retained his place in the Black Caps squad for the second Test. He finished with 2-153 from 35.2 overs in Wellington.

"Everyone wants to play against Australia, so both guys are understandably disappointed to be missing out," said Black Caps coach Mike Hesson.

"The players and the medical staff worked hard to be available for the match, but in the end ran out of time.

"Ross is back hitting balls again and is targeting a return in the Island of Origin match before we head away to the ICC World Twenty20.

"Mitch is on track to be fit for the ICC World Twenty20 and we'll continue to monitor both players closely."

NZ TEST SQUAD: Brendon McCullum (c), Tom Latham, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Luke Ronchi, Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.