Black Caps seamer Tim Southee is in doubt ahead of Australia's tour of New Zealand as he struggles with a foot injury.
Southee has suffered bone bruising of his left foot and will sit out New Zealand's home series of Twenty20 fixtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan that begins on Thursday and carries through to January 22.
Australia's first ODI against New Zealand is scheduled for February 3 in Auckland. The first Test starts on February 12 in Wellington.
Southee limped out of the third one-dayer against Sri Lanka in Nelson last week after sitting out the opening two matches of the series.
Kiwi coach Mike Hesson is unsure when Southee will be fit again.
Hesson said his medical staff were aware of the bruising, but it was leading to problems elsewhere.
"He just needs to take pressure off his foot; we're hopeful it won't be a long-term thing," Hesson said.
"We haven't set a date for his return at this point, but will continue to monitor him and work to get him back to full fitness as quickly as possible."
Hesson said Southee's absence would give others a chance to impress ahead of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in India in March, including Matt Henry who has been drafted in to replace Southee.
"He certainly deserves his opportunity to show us what he's got in T20," he said.
Southee took six Test wickets at 60.50 in the three-match series in November in Australia.
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