Blackcaps pair Matt Henry and Tim Seifert have both withdrawn from New Zealand's three-match Twenty20 International series against Australia through injury.
After only returning to the Blackcaps T20 fold earlier in the summer against Pakistan, Henry has been scratched through hip soreness and will miss the series to work towards full fitness for the two tests against Australia, starting February 29.
Meanwhile, Seifert, 29, has suffered a torn abductor playing for Northern Districts and withdrawn to leave Devon Conway as the only wicketkeeping option in the 14-man squad.
Their places have been taken by Wellington fast-bowler Ben Sears and Central Districts batter Will Young respectively.
"Ben showed in his recent performances against Pakistan that he is a talented T20 bowler, capable of influencing games of cricket for New Zealand," said Blackcaps coach Gary Stead.
"Will has been a regular in the environment across formats for some time now and his recent performances for the Central Stags in the Super Smash show he his more than capable to contribute at this level."
Henry and Seifert join Kane Williamson (paternity leave) and Daryl Mitchell (foot injury) as unavailable for the series.
Kyle Jamieson has also been ruled out of the rest of the home summer, with a stress fracture in his back.
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