Bond, who missed the seven-wicket first Test loss at Lord's because he was not considered fit enough after suffering a stress fracture in his back 12 months ago, had been troubled by soreness since playing against Kent 10 days ago.

The 28-year-old had a scan in London and was ruled out of the four-day match against Leicestershire starting on Friday. That would have been his last chance to get match fit.

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New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker said it was too early to determine whether the fast bowler would miss the second Test at Headingley beginning on June 3, or indeed whether he could be sent home.

"We don't want to speculate until there is a definite answer," said Crocker. "There is no thought of replacements yet."

"We want to be very careful with him, hopefully he'll get through tomorrow and we can work on getting him right."

Bond's absence from the second Test would be a huge blow to New Zealand's chances of levelling the three-match series.

The bowling attack at Lord's lacked the penetration Bond's extra pace would have given them and England coasted to victory on the final day.

All rounder Jacob Oram will also miss the match against Leicestershire after sustaining a side strain on the final day at Lord's, though he is expected to be fit for the second Test.

The third Test begins at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 10.