Australian goal-shooter Caitlin Bassett is in doubt for the final test in the Constellation Cup, after it was revealed she was taken from the court because of foot soreness.
After controlling the first half of Sunday's Test against New Zealand, the world champions were over-run in the second half to lose the match 50-47 in Melbourne.
The final Test will be played in Perth on Friday.
The towering Bassett had been the dominant player of the first half.
With her unmatched accuracy, Bassett scored 24 goals from 25 attempts to deliver her side a commanding 28-21 lead at halftime.
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Her absence from the court after halftime came as a major surprise.
New Zealand coach Waimarama Taumaunu admitted Bassett's departure had been pivotal in her team's victory.
Asked what had been the turning point of the match, the Silver Ferns coach answered bluntly: "Bassett not being on the court."
Australian coach Lisa Alexander said Bassett, who was last week named the West Australian sports star of the year, will be desperate to play in her home town.
"We are really hopeful she will be able to play in Perth. We certainly need her out there at the moment," Alexander said.
The 193cm Bassett had no foot pain prior to the Melbourne Test.
"I think it has just reared its ugly head today," said Alexander.
"It is a lot of things. Sometimes it's just the change of environment and venues, and sometimes it's the training load.
"It can all of a sudden spark it up, so it's disappointing."
Having played three Tests in just six days, Alexander is hopeful the four-day break will give Bassett time to recuperate before the deciding match of the series.
Having led by as much as nine goals early in the third quarter, Alexander was bitterly disappointed her team lost the match and the chance to wrap up the Constellation Cup.
"We should have and could have won and gone on with it in the second half and it was very disappointing.
Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua, who played her 100th Test, was delighted to win the match in her milestone game
"To keep the composure and to with the changes they put up against us, I think we coped really well today," she said.
