The Blackcaps will once again be without frontline bowler Trent Boult for the final test against Australia in Sydney in January.
The Blackcaps confirmed Boult suffered a fracture to the second metacarpal of his right hand after being struck while batting on day three of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne.
An X-ray during the tea break confirmed the undisplaced fracture which will require around four weeks of rehabilitation, meaning Boult will return home to New Zealand at the end of the Test.
Boult still managed to bowl at the start of Australia's second innings.
The 30-year-old missed the final test against England and the first test against Australia after suffering a rib injury in the first test against England at Bay Oval.
A replacement player will be confirmed in due course.
Join us for live updates of day four of the second test against Australia from 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 29.
