Blackcaps all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will undergo surgery for his troublesome right ankle, putting him in doubt for the test series against England and the World Test Championship final.
So far this summer, de Grandhomme hasn't featured in any international cricket, playing only a limited role in his return to the domestic scene with Northern Districts last month.
He now faces an eight-week rehabilitation period, before he can resume bowling again.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead still hopes the 34-year-old will be fit and available come June, when NZ plays two tests against England, then the World Test Championship final against India.
"His contributions to the Blackcaps in the past few years have been outstanding across all three formats and he's been a huge part of our team," says Stead.
"His skills with the ball, power with the bat and catching in the field make him one of the premier all-rounders in the world, so we're naturally eager to see him get the injury right and become available for us again.
"It's too early to say what this might mean for our test tour to England in late May and June, but we're hopeful, following surgery and rehabilitation, he will be a chance to make the squad."
Through his 24 tests to date, de Grandhomme has averaged a shade over 37 runs with the bat and taken 47 wickets at an average of 31.6 runs.
The injury leaves the door further ajar for Daryl Mitchell, who has impressed since slotting into the all-rounder slot vacated by de Grandhomme.
Mitchell has been named to the Blackcaps' one-day international squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh - the only format in which he's yet to represent New Zealand.
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