Craig replaces injured Santner for New Zealand

Spinner Mark Craig has been brought into the New Zealand squad for the opening Test against Australia after Mitchell Santner was ruled out with a foot injury.

Santner picked up the issue in his right foot at the end of the second one-day international in Auckland, with a subsequent scan revealing bruising around the bone.

Ish Sodhi replaced Santner for the third ODI in Hamilton as the Black Caps wrapped up a 2-1 series win, but Craig has been called in for the first instalment of a double-header in the longer form of the game.

"It's unfortunate for Mitch as he's been a key player for us so far this summer," coach Mike Hesson said of Santner, who could yet recover in time for the second Test.

"The positive news is that we picked it up early, and hopefully Mitch can make a quick recovery."

Santner has been in good form for New Zealand and his ability with the bat as well as with the ball will be a miss.

Craig claimed eight wickets in three Tests in Australia last year but shipped 513 runs in the process for an average of 64.12.

The first Test gets under way in Wellington on Friday.