It is likely to be Friday, at the earliest, before a final decision is made on Nathan Astle's immediate playing future with the TelstraClear Black Caps.

Astle returned home from Pakistan at the weekend with a patella tendon injury and surgeon Paul Armour has requested an MRI Scan be taken of Astle's knee.

New Zealand Cricket's medical co-ordinator Warren Frost said Armour would not make a judgment until all the information was in.

Frost said Astle had been struggling with his knees for a couple of seasons and wanted to get things sorted out in order to look ahead and to be better equipped to go ahead in stronger style.

"It is a big year ahead and he wants no half measures to get it sorted out," Frost said.

That could mean that Astle misses the tour of the West Indies next month.

A report is also being awaited on the side strain injury suffered by Jacob Oram.

"They can be a nasty thing and can hang around a while," Frost said.

© CricInfo