Morrison managed a mere eight overs in the tourists' three day game against the Pakistan Cricket Board XI at Sahiwal on Monday before leaving the field and, as it turned out, the tour.

The 30-year-old medium pacer from Auckland, a veteran of 47 Tests, suffered the groin injury at Sharjah earlier last week in a league game of the Champions' Trophy, and in the event missed the event final against Pakistan.

Morrison complained of pain as he got into his delivery stride, and after examination by the team physio it was decided not to risk him for the two Test series against Pakistan, given that a longer series against England is in the offing in early 1997. Morrison, thus, will be flying home shortly, and will be replaced in the Kiwi squad by 24-year-old paceman Robert Kennedy, who has thus far played four Tests.

The tourists ended the second day at 34 for one in their second innings after the local side had gained a lead of 22 runs.

Meanwhile, Pak Test discard Aqib Javed gave the selectors another reminder of his utility value when, in the PCB XI first innings, he struck 23 not out off 38 balls with five fours to give the home side a lead of 22 runs over the tourists (New Zealand 171 all out), then returned to remove Kiwi opener Craig Spearman in his second over.