Cairns out, Astle under observation at hospital

New Zealand's preparations for the deciding match in the National Bank one-day series against Zimbabwe in Wellington tomorrow have been struck a blow with Chris Cairns' withdrawal and the possibility that Nathan Astle may be out as well.

Astle was admitted to Wellington Hospital this afternoon with what coach David Trist described as "worrying symptoms."

Trist said: "Astle has been admitted to hospital for cautionary observation. We await further comments. We do not know his status at the moment.

"This morning he had worrying symptoms which necessitated him being hospitalised.

"He is in hospital, there is a problem, we don't know what it is and we are trying to sort it out," he said.

Trist said updates were being awaited and the intention of the selectors intention is to bring another player into the squad

One further player, yet to be announced, is to be added to the squad.

Trist said Cairns' acute bursitis to the right knee would keep him out only for tomorrow's game.