Wellington, July 9 -- Ahead of the tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa, New Zealand have suffered a major blow as their in-form right-hand batter Finn Allen has been ruled out of the series after getting injured.

Allen picked up a foot injury while playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in the Major League Cricket tournament in the United States and will be sent home to New Zealand for further examination.

A recovery timeline will be put in place for Allen upon further consultation in New Zealand. Still, the 26-year-old will not be available for any of the tri-series against hosts Zimbabwe and South Africa that commences on July 14.

The Black Caps will name a replacement for Allen in due course.

Allen was the fifth leading ru...