Eoin Morgan and Samit Patel are expected to be left disappointed on Thursday when England announce their Test squad to tour New Zealand in March.

Alastair Cook had 18 teammates with him when he captained England on the tour of India but the selectors will name a 15-man group, meaning that changes are inevitable for the three-match series.

Morgan did not make any appearance as England secured a Test series win over India, while Patel failed to make a half-century when batting at six for the tourists.

Patel's part-time off-spin bowling is not expected to earn him a spot in the squad, with Joe Root looking likely to keep his place at number six in the batting order.

Nick Compton will reportedly keep his place as Cook's opening partner.