New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 281 runs helped his side defy India on day four of the second Test in Wellington, reaching 571 for six at stumps to take a 325-run lead into the final day.

A vital 158-run sixth-wicket partnership between skipper Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling helped New Zealand save face in the second Test versus India, finishing day three six runs ahead.

For the second day in a row, New Zealand had the better of the early part of the day before Bangladesh hit back in the evening session during the first Test in Chittagong.

New Zealand wicket-keeper BJ Watling has been ruled out of the second and final Test against England which begins at Headingley on Friday with a knee injury. He picked up the injury during New Zealand's 170-run defeat in the opening match at Lord's and will be replaced - as he was at the home of cricket - as wicket-keeper by captain Brendon McCullum.

BJ Watling's unbeaten 89 guided the New Zealand XI to an impressive three-wicket victory over the touring English side on the final day in Queenstown. Set 334 for victory after England declared on 256 for nine in their second innings, the home team reached their victory target to leave England with a few questions to ponder ahead of the first Test in Dunedin.

Fast-bowler Trent Boult and wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling have been ruled out of the New Zealand side for the first Test against West Indies, which begins tomorrow in Antigua. Both men were named in the Black Caps' original 15-man Test squad back in May, but have sustained quad muscle injuries and missed the drawn warm-up match against WICB President's XI.