Black Caps pace bowler Tim Southee has been ruled out of the third cricket Test against South Africa in Hamilton due to a hamstring injury.
A scan on Thursday showed Southee had suffered a grade one tear of his left hamstring.
The 28-year-old right-armer felt discomfort following the second Test in Wellington and as a precautionary measure was sent for a scan.
While only a minor tear, the injury means he won't be fit for the upcoming match beginning on Saturday at Seddon Park.
No replacement will be added to the current New Zealand squad.
Southee was dropped for the first Test, which ended in a rain-affected draw two weeks ago in Dunedin, as the Black Caps instead opted for a twin spin attack in Jeetan Patel and Mitchell Santner.
South Africa won the second Test in Wellington by eight wickets in three days, with Southee returning figures of 3-115.
Trent Boult, who missed the second Test through injury, is expected to play in Hamilton.
