Blackcaps wicket-keeper batsman Tom Blundell has been ruled out of the one-day international series against Pakistan
The 31-year-old has succumbed to a left-quad strain and will be replaced by all-rounder Daryl Mitchell who had previously been selected in the T20 squad.
Mitchell won't be available until the second ODI once he completes a mandatory isolation period.
Blundell's injury kept him out of the final T20 against Bangladesh - a hard-fought series the Blackcaps lost 3-2.
"Tom's been working hard since the injury in Bangladesh," says physio Nishil Shah.
"The injury isn't quite where we want it, so we think it's best for him to concentrate on rehab given the big summer of cricket ahead."
Stand-in coach Glenn Pocknall says Blundell's absence is a blow, but is excited to add the x-factor, match-winning ability of the Canterbury all-rounder.
"Obviously everyone is gutted for Tom, he’s a quality player with a diverse skill-set," says Pocknall.
"He’ll remain with the squad and we’re hopeful he’ll be available again for the T20I series.
"We’re fortunate to have someone of Daryl’s quality to join us early for the ODIs.
"He’s shown last summer what a destructive batsman he is, while also offering another useful bowling option.
"With Tom out, we do lose our first choice back-up wicket-keeping option.
"However there are several guys in the squad with keeping experience and we’ll ensure they do the necessary work at training to be up to speed if called upon."
New Zealand's ODI series against Pakistan begins on Friday night at the Pindi Club Ground in Rawalpindi.
