New Zealand duo Ian Butler and Grant Elliott have been ruled out of Saturday's Twenty20 opener with England through injury.

Butler is currently struggling with an ankle problem, while Elliott has been forced to sit out the contest with a quad strain.

"I'm confident that both Ian and Grant will be available for the second Twenty20 match in Hamilton on Tuesday night," said New Zealand physiotherapist Paul Close.

James Neesham has been called up for the match at Eden Park in Auckland.