Shayne O'Connor's recovery from a patella tendon injury in his knee has been slower than expected and doubt now exists about his availability for consideration for the first Test against Pakistan.

O'Connor has not played for New Zealand since missing inclusion in the team for the One-Day International series against Zimbabwe in early January.

The knee injury occurred during a Shell Trophy game after that and he has been recovering from the injury since then.

O'Connor was seen by New Zealand Cricket surgeon Rob Campbell in Christchurch yesterday and it was found that his progress was slower than expected.

NZC player liaison representative Gilbert Enoka said that O'Connor will now definitely not be available for the last Shell Trophy game and the medical panel will be reviewing his work load and it will be seen how he adapts in the recovery process.

© CricInfo