New Zealand lose Tim Southee for Australia one-day series

New Zealand strike bowler Tim Southee has been ruled out of the forthcoming one-day international series with Australia because of a foot injury.

The Black Caps are, however, hopeful Southee will be fit for the subsequent Test series.

Southee, 27, has been a spectator for the limited-overs matches with Pakistan after suffering bruising to the bone in his left foot during the one-day series against Sri Lanka last month.

Coach Mike Hesson said the three-match one-day series against Australia, starting in Auckland on February 3, was too soon for Southee, but the two-Test series beginning in Wellington nine days later was more likely.

"Tim is progressing nicely and he'll be with us this week (in Wellington) to help work with his rehab," Hesson said.

"He's unlikely (to play the Australia ODIs). We'll focus on the Test series at this stage and make sure that he's firing. We certainly won't force him playing any games earlier than that unless we need him."

Hesson said Trent Boult could play a four-day domestic game to shake off the rust and prove his fitness before facing Australia, who can become the top-ranked Test playing nation if they win the two-match series.

The coach said that retiring captain Brendon McCullum was also making good progress from a back complaint and should feature in the one-day series against Pakistan before the Australians arrive for his final clash.

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"Brendon's likely to be back for (the third one-dayer against Pakistan on January 31)," Hesson said.

"He's progressing really well and doing plenty of work away from the game, from a fitness point of view and we're really pleased with the way he's tracking.

"Hopefully he'll play a part in the Pakistan series and if he does that will be good prep for the Chappell-Hadlee (against Australia) and beyond."