Auckland, March 23: New Zealand Cricket has announced a largely unchanged squad of 12 for the second Test against India, beginning in Napier on Thursday.

The only change from the first Test squad is the omission of bowler Brent Arnel, who was not considered after suffering a side strain in his State Championship match last week.

Off-spinner Jeetan Patel was retained in the squad — he was released to play for Wellington Firebirds in a state championship despite being named in the squad for the first Test.

Iain O’Brien and Daniel Flynn, who picked up minor injuries in the Hamilton Test, would be monitored over the next two or three days, said Glenn Turner, head of the selection panel. There were currently no plans to bring in additional players as cover.

Turner added that allrounder Jacob Oram’s progress was being followed closely but he is not yet at full match fitness. "He’s only had a couple of days in the domestic competition, and after talking with him we agree he’d benefit from more game time to get up to the fitness level needed for the Test side."

The squad: Daniel Vettori (capt), Daniel Flynn, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Tim McIntosh, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O’Brien, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor.