A calf injury has forced Black Cap batsman Martin Guptill our of the side's upcoming match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Guptill suffered the injury while preparing for a Plunket Shield game with Auckland this week with a subsequent scan showing he'll up to six weeks to recover.
With the T20 series against Pakistan opening the tour in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month, swiftly followed by three one day internationals, Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said they had no choice but to repace Guptill in the squad.
Martin Guptill celebrates his 12th ODI century. Photo: Photosport
"Unfortunately for Martin it will take him some time to get over this injury and, with a long summer ahead, we need to make sure we minimise the risk of him repeating it," he said.
"Gary Stead and I will work through the possible replacement options. We now have three spots to fill in the T20 and one-day squads."
The Black Caps face Pakistan in the first of three T20 Internationals on October 31st, with three one-day Internationals and three Tests to follow.
Recuperating new ball bowler Tim Southee is expected to be fit for the opening T20 match.
Southee missed the first two rounds of domestic first class cricket with a knee injury, reportedly caused by holding his baby in the same position for too long, creating a repetitive strain niggle.
-RNZ
