Taylor in doubt due to vision problem

Senior New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor will see an eye specialist before the second Test against Pakistan to investigate a vision problem, coach Mike Hesson confirmed on Sunday.

Taylor did not bat in his usual number four spot in the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan in Christchurch, which New Zealand won by eight wickets.

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Taylor has experienced vision problems in the past, notably during the first Test against Australia last summer.

However, after taking eye drops between the first and second Tests in Australia to treat a pterygium - a small benign growth, often called "surfer's eye" - he promptly posted a career best 290 against the Aussies in Perth.

Hesson said Taylor had his eyes checked before the start of the match and "it certainly showed he needed to see a specialist".

"Twelve months ago he had his annual check-up, got some eye drops and scored 290 in next game," Hesson said.

"In last few months it appears to have deteriorated a little bit. We'll get some further info from the specialist. We all need regular check-ups, and about six months ago, Ross had no issues at all.

"It might have come on a little bit quicker than we would like. Ross was keen to get it seen to."

No decision will be made on whether Taylor will play in the second Test, starting in Hamilton on Friday, until the results of the tests are known.

The 32-year-old Taylor has a Test average of 45.95 but has averaged just 11 in his past 10 innings, and has gone 11 international innings without a half-century since August.

"There's a growth that's come across a little bit," Hesson said.

"It's been fine for a long time but it's part and parcel for any human being. You do different tests, you want to make sure things are all in order."

Despite eyesight concerns, Taylor fielded at first slip throughout the Pakistan Test, taking a catching to dismiss Babar Azam off Colin de Grandhomme in the first innings.