New Zealand look like they will finish their most successful home year without the services of Brendon McCullum.
The captain didn't train on Wednesday because of his sore back and was ruled an unlikely starter for the third one-day international against Sri Lanka at Nelson on New Year's Eve.
Kane Williamson is set to play his first game of the series and take over as skipper after training without difficulty.
Williamson missed the two heavy wins in Christchurch because of a leg injury but has shed the brace which has adorned his knee for the past week.
Pace bowler Adam Milne (heel) is also set to return but coach Mike Hesson says McCullum is likely to next play in the fourth game of the series on Saturday, also at Nelson's Saxton Oval.
The veteran skipper, who retires from international cricket in February, aggravated a disc injury by diving into an advertising hoarding when spectacularly cutting off a boundary in Monday's game.
Hesson says he has never discouraged McCullum from his trademark fielding acrobatics - nor any other player.
"That's been a huge part in our change in culture in the last couple of years - Brendon's huge intensity and it sets a standard," he said.
"We don't do things by halves, we're fully committed in the field and if an injury occurs then so be it."
New Zealand's 16 ODI wins on home soil in 2015 is already a world record in a calendar year - with eight of the wins notched during the World Cup they co-hosted.
Thursday's game is a chance to pull another win clear of previous record-holders India, who won 15 ODIs at home in 2011.
The Black Caps have also won their three home Tests this year, meaning they can notch a 20th win across all formats if successful.
That would equal the world record set by Sri Lanka in 2001 when they won 12 ODIs and eight Tests.
