One-day opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out as a possible Test replacement for the injured Ross Taylor after suffering fitness problems of his own.
New Zealand Cricket says Guptill, who thrashed 180 against South Africa in Hamilton, will miss the rest of the domestic season and the beginning of the IPL Twenty20 so he can spend six weeks strengthening and conditioning his hamstrings.
The 30-year-old suffered strains to both legs during the summer and Black Caps coach Mike Hesson says they want him 100 per cent fit for the Champions Trophy in England and Wales in June.
"The Champions Trophy isn't far away and we obviously want Martin firing on all cylinders for that tournament," Hesson said.
Guptill will travel to India ahead of the start of the IPL and be monitored by Black Caps physiotherapist Tommy Simsek, who will be over there.
The Aucklander has struggled as an opener at Test level and it has been suggested he could return to the longer format down the order.
There is an opening following the apparently serious right calf injury to Taylor on Thursday in the first Test against South Africa in Dunedin, which leaves a big hole in the batting line up.
He was at University Oval on Friday morning following a scan of the right calf but the results aren't yet known.
Other possible replacements for Taylor are Neil Broom, Dean Brownlie, Colin Munro or Tom Bruce.
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