New Zealand paceman Lockie Ferguson won't bowl again in the first Test against Australia because of a calf injury.
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Scans have confirmed the Test debutant suffered a calf strain while bowling on day one of the Perth fixture.
New Zealand cricket released a statement on Friday saying injury will prevent the paceman from bowling again in the Test, though he will be available to bat.
A longer-term prognosis is yet to be determined.
Teammate Neil Wagner says he is gutted for Ferguson, who left the field during the middle session at Perth's Optus Stadium on Thursday.
The 28-year-old had bowled with great ferocity and speed up until that point, but was then sent off for an MRI after suffering a suspected strain in his right calf.
Ferguson's ailment is a severe blow to NZ's victory hopes, especially with Trent Boult (side strain) already absent.
"Gutted ain't it. It's pretty heartbreaking for him," Wagner said after Thursday's play.
"I know he'll be devastated as well. We all sort of obviously get right behind him. Hopefully it's not too bad.
"We haven't heard anything back yet. Hopefully, you know it's good or better news than what everyone is suspecting.
"He's a quality player and we would have loved to see him bowl more and see what he could have done."
Ferguson finished the day with 0-47 off 11 overs.
He would have snared the prized scalp of Steve Smith had Tom Latham held onto a tricky catch at second slip.
Temperatures of around 40 degrees are forecast for the next three days and Marnus Labuschagne said Ferguson's absence would boost Australia's victory hopes.
"They do have an allrounder in their side so that does lighten the load a little. But it is a massive advantage (for us)," Labuschagne said.
Australian Associated Press
