The Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor will miss the tour of South Africa after a nasty blow to the groin.
Taylor was hit during training before the third and final one-day cricket international against Zimbabwe in Harare, which New Zealand won by 38 runs for a 2-1 series victory.
The 31 year old required minor surgery and will fly home to recover, missing the one-off T20 international against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
The veteran was in good form in the Black Caps' defeat in the first ODI at Harare, scoring his 27th international century for New Zealand that equalled Nathan Astle's national record across all formats.
New Zealand's stand-in captain Kane Williamson says it's a shame to lose Taylor.
"Ross is a world class player in all formats. It's a shame to lose his skill-set but also his leadership in the dressing room," said Williamson.
"Off the back of that, it gives someone else an opportunity and someone experience that hasn't had it before. It's a new look squad so it's exciting times for the team."
In Taylor's absence from the third ODI at Harare, Colin Munroe batted at number four.
It was the 28 year old Aucklander's 9th one-dayer, but the left-hander was clean bowled by the leg spinner Graeme Cremer for nine after facing just 14 deliveries.
Taylor will not be replaced in the Black Caps squad for the tour of South Africa that features two T20 games and three one day internationals.
