Kyle Mills, Jamie How to join injury-hit NZ team

Medium fast bowler Kyle Mills and opening batsman Jamie How will join the injury-hit New Zealand Test team in South Africa.

Mills will replace Shane Bond, who suffered an abdominal strain during New Zealand's record 358-run loss to South Africa in the first Test match which ended on Sunday. The Kiwi strike bowler will return to New Zealand immediately.

Jamie How joins the squad on standby as a cover for several other players who have suffered from minor injuries. Michael Papps and Stephen Fleming were also fighting to stay fit during the Johannesburg Test.

Both Mills and How were to join the New Zealand team for next month's limited-overs series in South Africa, but their departure has been brought forward.

The second Test of the two-match series begins at Centurion on Friday.