Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell will be absent from the upcoming second Test against South Africa next week in order to recover and be in top form for the impending home series against Australia, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Thursday.
Despite playing a crucial role in New Zealand's decisive 281-run victory in the first Test against the touring Proteas on Wednesday, Mitchell will sit out the second Test, commencing on Tuesday, due to a persistent foot issue.
The 32-year-old, boasting five centuries in 31 Test matches, will also be unavailable for all three Twenty20 matches against Australia later this month. This absence is in preparation for the home two-Test series against the visiting world champions, scheduled to begin on February 29.
The middle-order batter needs more treatment for a foot injury that sidelined him for the home Twenty20 series win over Pakistan in January, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
"Daryl is a hugely important member of the squad in all three formats and ensuring he is in the best shape is vital with the period of matches to come," said Black Caps head coach Gary Stead.
"Based on the schedule ahead, now is an appropriate time to complete a period of rehabilitation."
Bowler Will O'Rourke is set to join the team as scheduled for the second Test against South Africa in Hamilton.
New Zealand batter Kane Williamson solidified his position as the world's top-ranked men's batter with centuries in both innings against the Proteas.
A second victory for New Zealand would secure their first-ever Test series win over South Africa, ending a series of 17 unsuccessful attempts against the Proteas since 1931.