The Blackcaps are taking a cautious approach with the fitness of quick bowler Lockie Ferguson, wary of any injuries as the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia fast approaches.
Ferguson, 31, has been selected in the Blackcaps' 15-man squad to travel for the World Cup later this month but coach Gary Stead earlier this week revealed New Zealand's fastest bowler is battling an abdominal concern.
Another injury would be a cruel twist for Ferguson, who was ruled out of last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE with a calf injury.
In Ferguson's absence, the Blackcaps still reached the final of the 2021 tournament, losing to Australia.
But with the extra pace Ferguson offers, Stead said every necessary precaution will be taken to ensure he's fit for the World Cup - which the Blackcaps begin when they face Australia in Sydney on October 22.
"Lockie's just got a little ab… injury, at the moment," Stead said. "We're just managing [him] through that.
"The important thing for us is we get to the start of the World Cup and Lockie's ready to go.
"He's a very important cog in our bowling lineup and, unfortunately for him, missed last year's World Cup almost a year ago now with the injury he had then.
"We're mindful of it, we've got to make sure we want him right and ready for those early games in the World Cup."
In the meantime, Stead said Ferguson could play little role in the Blackcaps' T20 tri-series with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
"There is that chance," Stead added. "We'll just see how he responds to treatment over the next few days."
Ferguson isn't the only Blackcap under concern at the moment either, after Daryl Mitchell suffered a fractured hand in training on Friday.
The Blackcaps begin their tri-series against Pakistan in Christchurch on Saturday, who defeated Bangladesh by 21 runs in the opening match on Friday.
