The Black Caps have suffered an injury setback ahead of their second one-day international against Sri Lanka with star batsman Kane Williamson ruled out of the next two games with a shoulder injury.
Williamson, who has been in sublime form following his match-winning 242 not out in the second Test in Wellington, will be replaced by Ross Taylor.
Coach Mike Hesson revealed the 24-year-old aggravated an existing injury while diving in the field in the Boxing Day Test, landing awkwardly on his left side, and will be out of all cricket for up to 10 days.
Hesson was philosophical about the turn of events.
"It's a chance to rehab his shoulder so it doesn't inconvenience him later in the year.
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"He's fine. At some stage, he was probably going to have a break over the next month or so and this has just been forced due to the fact he has had these knocks."
Williamson's injury gives the Black Caps' middle order another chance at redemption after a mini-collapse in Christchurch on Sunday almost gifted Sri Lanka the win. The home side recovered by three wickets in the first of seven ODIs.
Grant Elliot, a controversial selection for the World Cup squad following the axing of Jimmy Neesham, struggled on his return to international cricket, dismissed for just one run.
Elliot, who is in a race with Tom Latham to secure the No.5 batting position, will get another shot on Thursday in Hamilton despite looking out of sorts before having his castle knocked over.
"It wasn't a great day at the office with the bat (for Grant) but he's a fine player," Hesson said.
"We had a chat about it, and had a bit of a laugh about (his dismissal). Obviously, he knew it wasn't a great option but he'll be far better for the experience."
Williamson recently rose to sixth on the ICC Test batting rankings based on his performance against Sri Lanka (396 runs at an average of 198).
