Batsman Jesse Ryder has been ruled out of New Zealand's Test series against England after injuring his right hand in a drink-related incident.

It occurred in Christchurch on Sunday morning when he damaged an index finger and thumb breaking a bar window to gain access to its toilet.

Ryder is set to be out of action for three months, just as he was becoming a serious candidate for Test selection.

The big-hitting 23-year-old has a history of disciplinary problems.

But he was in outstanding form in New Zealand's 3-1 one-day series triumph over England.

"We recognise the pressure Jesse has been under through his success in the England series and he has suddenly become a high-profile player," said NZ Cricket's general manager Lindsay Crocket.

"However, this behaviour is unacceptable and we will have a serious discussion with him to ensure situations like this do not occur in the future.

"Jesse had shown increasing maturity during the England series and we had been happy with his behaviour up to this point.

"However in light of this event we shall ensure additional support is provided for him."

Ryder, man of the match in only his second one-day international against England at Hamilton, has a history of run-ins with authority.

The most notable came when he refused to play for New Zealand A last year and failed to turn up for a World Cup training camp.

But his performances during the recent one-day series had looked set to earn him a Test call-up and a possible place on the tour to England in April.

Crocker added: "We have team behavioural protocols which are monitored by the group as a whole and this system has served us well for the past four years.

"The incident will be worked through when we next assemble to see whether there is anything which should be improved.

"Ryder will pay for the damage and apologise to the bar owner. No further disciplinary action will be taken as Jesse's injuries should serve as enough of a lesson on this occasion."

Ryder will have a reconstruction to the exterior tendon on his index finger, a flap reconstruction and a skin graft. It will be around six weeks before he can start light training.