The Black Caps are hopeful fast bowler Lockie Ferguson hasn't played his last cricket match this summer.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Withdrawn from the upcoming T20 series against Pakistan, the in-form New Zealand paceman has been diagnosed with a partial stress fracture to his lumbar spine.
The injury to the left side of his back surfaced after the T20 series against the West Indies and subsequent scans and imaging confirmed the extent of the issue.
Ferguson would have four to six weeks rest before starting rehabilataion and then returning to training.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the fact it was only a partial crack, and the avoidance of surgery, were both good signs but admitted it was a blow to lose the country's fastest bowler.
"There is a crack there [in Ferguson's spine] but in terms of seriousness and how it looks, it could be a lot worse. It's not a complete crack, which is a good sign," Stead said on Wednesday.
"In terms of the rehab going forward, it's too early to know in terms of looking at a return to play. But we are still hopeful there is a chance for him to be playing by the end of our season. If things go well there is that chance."
After Pakistan, the Black Caps finish the summer by hosting Australia and Bangladesh in white ball matches.
The five T20s against Australia start in late February, before Bangladesh arrived for three T20s and three ODIs which concluded in late March.
Ferguson would likely miss all of Auckland's domestic T20 campaign, which ran from late December through to the final on February 14.
"We're all really feeling for Lockie," Stead said.
"Injuries are certainly part of our sport, but to get something like this when you're at the very top of your game is especially disappointing.
"The pace and skill he's been able to consistently produce has made him one of the very best white ball bowlers in the world and a huge asset for the Black Caps.
"Lockie has a great attitude and I know he's up for the fight so he'll get stuck into the rehab."