New Zealand will be without opening batsman Martin Guptill for the rest of the England series, including the Tests, as he is set to undergo surgery on his injured thumb.

The powers that be would like Guptill to be recovered in time for the Black Caps' return series against England in the UK in May, and are taking this time to let Guptill have his surgery, even though he could technically keep playing.

Team physio Paul Close said: "We felt it was best to get Martin right for the tour to England in May and June, so the next couple of months were seen as the best window to have the surgery."

Rookie batsman Hamish Rutherford has already replaced Guptill for the final ODI on Saturday. It's not yet known who will be called to the Test squad as it hasn't been announced, with the game starting on 6 March in Dunedin.