Watling out of second Test

London - New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second test against England starting at Headingley on Friday because of a knee injury, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.

"Watling, who injured his left knee diving for a run out on the third day of the first test, trained with the side at Headingley this morning but was ruled out after training," a team statement said.

Captain Brendon McCullum will keep wicket in a match the visitors must win to square the two-match series after Sunday's 170-run defeat at Lord's.

Martin Guptill will come into the side and bat at number six.

Former skipper Daniel Vettori, in contention for his first test appearance for 10 months, will be have his fitness assessed on Thursday.

The veteran of 112 tests would offer New Zealand a spin option in the absence of Bruce Martin who has been ruled out with a calf injury.