Key New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls has avoided a serious calf injury and is still in position to play in the first Test against England at Lord’s next month.

Nicholls injured his right calf during a pre-tour camp run in Mount Maunganui on Monday, and scans revealed a grade one strain in the troublesome area.

The 30-year-old will now travel to England with the touring party over the weekend, as scheduled, and is still in with a possibility of facing England.

“While it’s encouraging that Henry hasn’t ripped his calf,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said on Wednesday.

“The following two to three weeks will be critical in terms of his recuperation and subsequent availability for the Test series.”

“Calves can be difficult to rehab, and any return to match action must be done with caution to avoid re-injuring him.”

As a result, he won’t be able to participate fully in the two warm-up games as he works on his recuperation with our physio Vijay Vallabh and trainer Chris Donaldson.

“At number five, Henry is obviously a key player for us, and we know he’ll do everything he can to make himself accessible.”

Nicholls has been an important member of New Zealand’s Test squad in recent years, averaging 40.38 in 46 Tests and amassing eight hundreds.

The middle-order hitter has 280 runs in six matches this ICC World Test Championship cycle, including a century in the Black Caps’ most recent Test series against South Africa.

England will host New Zealand for a three-match Test series, beginning on June 2 at Lord’s before moving to Trent Bridge and Headingley.

With a point percentage of 12.50 percent, the hosts are currently at the bottom of the WTC table, while New Zealand is sixth with 38.88 percent.