New Zealand are likely to give key bowler Daniel Vettori up until the morning of the second Test match, which starts on Thursday, to decide on his match fitness. New Zealand Cricket's medical co-ordinator Warren Frost said Vettori's back injury was a soft-tissue problem in a disc rather than the stress fracture that forced him out during the Test here two years ago against Australia.

"We've got until just before the game on Thursday to make the call, we want to give him as much time as possible and we're aware of the long-term impact as well," Frost said Tuesday.

"It's a matter of assessing the risk, and it's up to the selectors to decide whether they take that risk."

Allrounder Chris Harris has been named in the squad and will bat at No. 7 if Vettori is ruled out.

England's only injury concern is batsman Mark Butcher, who suffered a cracked right thumb in Christchurch but batted in the nets Tuesday and is hopeful of playing.

The tourists may replace him with all-rounder Craig White as an into-the-wind bowling option.

Young Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell was due to arrive from England late on Tuesday but is unlikely to be considered.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd