Papps out for six weeks

Michael Papps' aims of a national recall have been hit hard © Getty Images

Canterbury will be without Michael Papps, their in-form opening batsman, for the rest of their State Shield campaign after injuring a finger.

Papps, 26, is expected to be out for six weeks after injuring the tendons in his left index finger while taking a catch in the outfield during a 118-run win over competition leaders Otago at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

Papps has been in good form this summer, hitting 357 runs at an average of almost 90, and had admitted to eyeing a return to the national side. He has represented New Zealand in four Tests - he scored 86 against England in his last appearance - and six one-day internationals, where he averages over 50, but has not been selected following an injury via a Brett Lee bouncer in early 2005.

"He will be missed; he has been playing very well for us," Dave Nosworthy, the Canterbury coach, told The Press, a New Zealand daily.