Blackcaps batsman Henry Nicholls has suffered a calf strain and is in doubt for the test tour of England.
Coach Gary Stead says the No.5 injured his right leg during running drills on Monday. The team depart for England this weekend, with the first test at Lord's starting June 2.
"He's having an MRI scan later today, so we'll know more after that as to the extent of it," Stead said from a team camp at Mt Maunganui.
"But he's got it strapped up and I guess the next 24-48 hours will give us an indication of how serious that is."
Nicholls, 30, has been a fixture in New Zealand's middle order, averaging 40.38 with eight centuries in 46 tests.
He played at No.4 in the recent home series against South Africa, but would be expected to drop down the order if fit for England to make way for the return of regular captain Kane Williamson from a long-standing elbow problem.
The Blackcaps named an extended 20-man squad for the three-test series last week.
Sixth in the nine-team World Test Championship standings, the Black Caps will likely need to beat last-placed England comprehensively to have a realistic chance to defend their title.
Reuters
Watch the full story above
