Dean Brownlie sustains fractured finger

Dean Brownlie, the New Zealand batsman, has been diagnosed with a fractured finger and is likely to miss the rest of the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe. Brownlie, who made his one-day debut in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Dunedin, sustained the injury while fielding in the second match in Whangarei on February 6.

The New Zealand physio, Paul Close, said Brownlie would meet with orthopaedic surgeon before a recovery plan was drawn up. "Dean complained of soreness with the hand becoming more painful and swollen today," Close said. "An x-ray this evening confirmed a fracture.

"He is expected to miss the remainder of the Zimbabwe series but it's a bit early to tell how long he will be out. His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and we should have clearer idea of the timeframe and best course of treatment after he meets with the orthopaedic surgeon tomorrow."

No decision has been made as yet on a replacement for Brownlie. New Zealand play one more 50-over game against Zimbabwe, followed by two Twenty20s.

Brownlie made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in November last year, and went on to become only the third New Zealand player to score a half-century in each of his first three Tests.