Wagner doubtful for SA Tests after fracturing finger

New Zealand's Neil Wagner's availability for the Test series against South Africa, which starts in March, is uncertain due to a fractured finger.

Neil Wagner has played 29 Tests for New Zealand.

Neil Wagner is a fitness doubt for New Zealand's Test series against South Africa after sustaining a fractured finger. The left-arm seamer, who has 118 wickets from 29 Tests, fractured his left ring finger when playing for the Otago Volts in a Ford Trophy game on Wednesday.

A recovery time of up to six weeks is expected, meaning the 30-year-old faces a nervy wait to find out if he will be available for the first Test against the Proteas at the University Oval, which starts on March 8. "The initial assessment is that Neil will require four to six weeks for recovery, but we'll be in a position to make a better judgement on that in the next couple of weeks," Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said.

"Neil's an important member of our Test side and he is obviously desperate to play in such a big series, so we'll do everything we can to get him back on the park as soon as possible."

New Zealand and South Africa will play further Tests in Wellington and Hamilton following the opening contest in Dunedin.