Daniel Flynn resumed training at the gym but is yet to prove his match fitness © Getty Images Enlarge

New Zealand batsman Daniel Flynn has been passed fit to take part in his side's three-day tour match against Northamptonshire, after recovering sufficiently from dental surgery. Flynn, who was struck on the face by a delivery from James Anderson during the second Test at Old Trafford, appeared to be struggling to make the match but made progress over the last 24 hours.

Flynn, who had his top two front teeth replaced by a Manchester dentist, had a light gym session on the eve of the tour match and, importantly, didn't experience any nausea. Lindsay Crocker, the team manager, said Flynn was keen to return to action.

"He's a courageous little fellow and he is frustrated," Crocker said. "But equally we want to make sure we get him right before we get him back into the fray."

New Zealand had decided to rest key players, including Jacob Oram and Chris Martin, in order try out Peter Fulton and Tim Southee, the fast bowler who missed the second Test at Old Trafford due to illness. Fulton, returning after an injury lay-off, said he would use this opportunity to reclaim his place in the middle order. He will, however, open the batting with Aaron Redmond in Northampton.

"I haven't played for over a month now so I guess I'm a little bit in the dark as to what my form's like," said Fulton, who last played a Test in January. "It's easy to bat in the nets and say you're batting well or say you're struggling. There's a bit of pressure riding on this game I suppose. I've got to try and get a big score and put some pressure on the guys in front of me."