New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming's abdominal strain could turn out to be a hernia, which would rule him out of the two tests against Pakistan this month.
Fleming was to see a specialist in Wellington on Thursday and if he requires surgery it would leave him sidelined for several weeks.
The skipper missed the recent tour of Pakistan after failing to recover from a stomach muscle strain picked up on the tour of India and New Zealand Cricket ruled him out of Wellington's State Championship match against Canterbury this weekend.
But NZC medical coordinator Warren Frost refused to give up hope that Fleming could play in the first test against Pakistan starting in Hamilton on December 19.
"Fleming experienced some discomfort during a range of stretching exercises and further investigations are needed," Frost said.
With fast bowler Shane Bond and batsman Nathan Astle missing with back and knee injuries respectively, coach John Bracewell will hope Fleming is fit to help restore confidence after an under-strength one-day side were hammered 5-0 in Pakistan.