New Zealand have taken advantage of a gap in their test schedule to rest injured wicketkeeper BJ Watling from all cricket.
The experienced gloveman won't play at any level for three weeks to rest a sprained right knee which has been hindering him.
A New Zealand Cricket statement said the 31-year-old is expected to fit and available for the three-test series against South Africa starting in Dunedin on March 8.
"The injury has been monitored by Black Caps medical staff over an extended period and requires rest and rehab to allow for recovery," the statement said.
Before then, New Zealand host the three-match one-day series against Australia and six limited overs internationals against the Proteas.
Watling rarely plays the shorter forms for his country. He struggled when selected for the 3-0 ODI series loss away to Australia last December.
