Veteran Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor has been ruled out of the first one day cricket international against Bangladesh in Dunedin on Saturday.
Taylor suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Central Districts in their Plunket Shield match against Wellington.
Auckland batsman Mark Chapman has been called into the squad as cover with Taylor exepcted to fit to play the second game in Christchurch on Tuesday.
Taylor's absence leaves New Zealand without their two most experienced batsmen for the series opener.
Regular captain Kane Williamson will miss all three games as he recovers from an elbow injury.
Ross Taylor will miss the opening ODI due to injury. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said the decision to leave Taylor out was a precautionary move.
"It's a shame for Ross to have this happen on the eve of a series," he said.
"It's a small tear and we're hopeful after some rest and rehabilitation we can get him fit for the second game in Christchurch.
"It's an exciting time for Mark who's come in and performed well recently for the T20 side, so we have full confidence he can do the job if called upon."
Taylor will assemble with the side in Dunedin later today in order to have treatment and monitor the injury.
The three match one day series against Bangladesh is the Black Caps first qualifying series for the 2023 World Cup.
-RNZ
