Worcestershire 2016 overseas player Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of New Zealand's opening Test against Australia in Wellington beginning on Friday.
Santner, who will play for the County in the NatWest T20 Blast this summer, experienced soreness in his right foot after the second ODI against the Aussies.
A subsequent scan revealed a bone bruise and the decision was taken to leave him out of the deciding third match which the Black Caps won to take the series 2-1.
Off-spinner Mark Craig has been called into the squad to replace Santner. A decision about Santner's availability for the second Test will be made later.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said: "It's unfortunate for Mitch as he's been a key player for us so far this summer.
"The positive news is that we picked it up early and hopefully Mitch can make a quick recovery."
Santner is due to arrive at New Road in mid May for the start of the T20 Blast group campaign.
Craig was part of the New Zealand squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in December but was not selected.
His last Test match came against Australia in the inaugural day-night Test at Adelaide where he finished with match figures of 2-75 in a three-wicket defeat.
