New Zealand's injury-hit side was dealt another blow on Wednesday with the announcement that Nathan Astle is heading home from Pakistan. "Astle is going back Friday from Lahore because of a knee injury assessed Tuesday night. It's serious enough to demand further attention back in New Zealand," said team manager Ross Dykes.

Team physio Dayle Shackle said Astle had damaged a ligament in his left knee and also had problems in his right knee.

Astle will play no further part in the tour and will be replaced by Mathew Sinclair after Saturday's third and final one-dayer in Lahore, Dykes said.

New Zealand face two Tests against Pakistan after the limited-overs series.

The loss of Astle, named New Zealand's Player of the Year after notching 153 not out against Australia last year and the fastest double-century at Christchurch against England last month, is the latest problem to dog the tourists.

New Zealand, already without Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond, missed captain Stephen Fleming in the first limited-overs game in Karachi on Sunday due to a stomach upset.

"It's very concerning but we have to make the best out of the available players," Dykes said.

"We hope Astle gets fit to play in the ICC (International Cricket Council) one-day event in Sri Lanka in September.

"At the moment we don't know about his chances for making it to the West Indies tour next month," the manager said.

Astle, who has played 155 one-dayers and 53 Tests, described the injury as a major setback.

"I have been lucky in my career as far as injury is concerned, but this is the biggest blow of my career.

"I have had bad knees for a while but the left knee troubled more in the last game and scans revealed damage," he said.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd