Taylor to play Hamilton Test; to undergo eye surgery later

New Zealand veteran batsman Ross Taylor, who has been suffering from vision problem, has been cleared to play the second and the final Test against Pakistan beginning on Friday in Hamilton.

However, the batsman will undergo a surgery on his left eye following the Test, thus ruling him out of the three-match ODI series against Australia in December.

Reflecting on Taylor's eye problem, New Zealand's physiotherapist Tommy Simsek said the batsman has a benign growth on the eye, called a 'pterygium' and, therefore, it needs to be removed before it gets larger.

"Ross has a pterygium on his left eye, which is gradually getting bigger.Both the specialists he has seen in recent days have advised Ross still has 20/20 vision, and Ross himself feels confident he is ready to play," ESPNcricinfo quoted Simsek as saying.

"But Ross will still need to undergo a medical procedure on his eye to remove the pterygium before it gets any larger. He'll have surgery following the Test, which rule him out of cricket for approximately four to six weeks," he added.

Northern Districts' batsman Dean Brownlie had been put on standby by the selectors, as cover for Taylor.

The Black Caps are currently leading the two-match series 1-0 following their comfortable eight-wicket win in the opening match in Christchurch.

After it ends, the Kane Williamson-led side will head to Australia to play three ODIs for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.The three ODIs will be played in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne on December 4, 6 and 9.