All-rounder Jacob Oram has been ruled out of New Zealand's two-Test series with Australia after failing to overcome a back injury.
The Black Caps' talismanic middle-order batsman and pace bowler sustained the injury to his lower back during the first Test of New Zealand's recent tour of Bangladesh.
Fast bowler Michael Mason is also unlikely to be fit for the Australian series. He undergoes a hernia operation on Friday and will be unavailable for at least three weeks.
"An MRI scan cleared Jacob of serious injury but he has not yet been able to resume full gym work," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
"It is planned to have him start bowling again in about 10 days. He is expected to be fully fit for the West Indies tour of New Zealand starting in the middle of next month."
The first test between New Zealand and Australia in Brisbane starts on November 20, with the second in Adelaide from November 28-December 2.
