New Zealand will be without their two frontline seam bowlers in the third cricket test against South Africa starting after Trent Boult and Tim Southee were ruled out with leg injuries.
Southee was forced out of the match on Thursday with a hamstring strain suffered in the second test at Wellington, while Boult, who missed that match with groin and hip injuries, has not sufficiently recovered.
Their withdrawal leaves South African-born Neil Wagner and Matt Henry as the only fit seamers in the Black Caps squad. Uncapped paceman Scott Kuggeleijn, son of former test spinner Chris Kuggeleijn, has been added as cover.
Boult "did everything possible to get himself ready for this test and is extremely disappointed to be missing out," NZ selector Gavin Larsen said.
"Scott (Kuggeleijn) will come in as cover, having consistently finished as one of the top wicket-takers in the Plunket Shield in recent seasons."
Kuggeleijn, who plays for Northern Districts, was last month acquitted by a court in Hamilton on a rape charge.
New Zealand will name their XI for the match at Hamilton's Seddon Park shortly before the toss on Saturday.
Meanwhile, South Africa are still assessing the fitness of wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock who has a finger injury.
The full rehabilitation time is estimated to be four to six weeks, placing the hard-hitting gloveman in serious doubt.
Uncapped Heinrich Klaasen is on standby if De Kock is ruled unfit.
South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the second test at Wellington.
