All-rounder Jacob Oram has been ruled out of New Zealand's two-Test series with Australia after failing to overcome a back injury.

The Black Caps' talismanic middle-order batsman and pace bowler sustained the injury to his lower back during the first Test of New Zealand's recent tour of Bangladesh.

Fast bowler Michael Mason is also unlikely to be fit for the Australian series. He undergoes a hernia operation on Friday and will be unavailable for at least three weeks.

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