Essex have been dealt a blow after their overseas bowler Neil Wagner was called up by the New Zealand One-Day squad ahead of their Tri-Series against Ireland and Bangladesh.

The 31-year-old has flown to Ireland as an injury replacement, and there is currently no time scale on the length of time he will be with the squad.

The left-armer has not been selected in the Champions Trophy squad but could be involved for the duration of the Tri-Series running from Sunday, May 14 to Wednesday, May 24.

Wagner has been hugely impressive since joining Essex in the winter, shining in recent weeks in the One-Day Cup.

He has taken 21 wickets in seven matches to date, including 6-48 in a County Championship match against Somerset.

If Wagner remains with the squad for the duration of the tournament he could miss matches against Sussex Sharks, Middlesex, Somerset, Kent Spitfires (all One-Day Cup) and the County Championship match against Hampshire.

New Zealand Cricket will be keeping an open line of communication with Essex throughout the competition.