New Zealand opener Dion Conway is set to be ruled out of the third and final Test against England as he awaits the birth of his first child.
The final Test will be played in Hamilton from December 14 to 18.
Conway, who will remain in Wellington, has left a critical void at the top of the order after New Zealand’s 323-run defeat in the second Test.
Middle-order batsman Mark Chapman has been called in as Conway’s replacement.
Head coach Gary Stead expressed full support for Conway’s decision, stressing the importance of family.
“Family comes first in this environment and we are all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child,” Stead said.
“Mark was recently with the Test squad in India and came back with a brilliant 276 in the Plunkett Shield – so it’s a good time for him to join us,” he added.
The 33-year-old’s absence could pave the way for Will Young, who impressed with 244 runs at 48.40 during the tour of India last month.
Despite his strong form, Young has been sidelined for the series to accommodate the return of Kane Williamson.
Williamson, who currently tops the batting charts with 195 runs at an average of 48.75, has shown his worth since recovering from a hamstring injury.
It should be noted that England defeated New Zealand by 323 runs at Basin Reserve on Sunday to take an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series.
Despite Tom Blundell’s brilliant century, Joe Root’s masterclass, creative century, combined with England’s fast bowling attack, left New Zealand in trouble.
Root added 100 runs in just 79 balls with captain Ben Stokes before England declared, setting a huge target of 583 runs.
New Zealand’s chase soon fizzled out, with Chris Woakes dismissing Dion Conway and Kane Williamson cheaply. Brayden Kars and others decimated the top order, reducing the hosts to 33/3.
Blundell’s counter century, supported by Nathan Smith, provided a brief fightback, but England’s bowlers, led by Stokes, closed out the innings for 280 runs.
Harry Brooke was adjudged Man of the Match for his explosive contribution with the bat scoring 123 and 55 runs in two innings.