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Chris Cairns's absence from the forthcoming three-test cricket series against South Africa, with a ruptured calf muscle, prompted a summit meeting last night of New Zealand team management.

Selection panel convener Ross Dykes, coach Steve Rixon, captain Stephen Fleming, and caretaker skipper Dion Nash discussed how Cairns's absence would impact on the team and its planning for the forthcoming test series.

The Canterbury all-rounder filled an integral role not easily assumed by any other player although Nash will probably occupy that position in the short-term.

No decisions were made last night, but the injury may enhance the chances of Otago left-arm swing bowler Shayne O'Connor making a recall to the test arena.

The first test against South Africa starts in Auckland on February 27. O'Connor took 12 wickets in a Shell Trophy match there last week.

Canterbury all-rounder Chris Harris could be another option if the preference is to lengthen the batting.

Cairns's injury, sustained while batting in the first one-day match against South Africa in Dunedin, is worse than first thought and he will be sidelined for between four and six weeks.

Cairns should be right by late March just as the second part of the one-day series ends and it is more likely he will not return to the team until the World Cup in May-June.

The injury robs New Zealand of a player who has been producing some of the best form of his career with bat and ball.

In four one-day innings against India on its recent tour here, Cairns hit 226 runs at 56.5, at the outstanding strike rate of 96 runs per 100 balls faced. In the two tests preceding that series he made 192 runs at 48.

``He's hard to replace. He's dynamic with bat and ball, is a match-winner with both, and you don't find them overnight,'' New Zealand coach Steve Rixon said yesterday.

``He's been in outstanding nick, physically and mentally, and when you get Chris in that frame of mind you want him playing as much as possible.''