Graeme Swann will miss the full Test series in New Zealand due to an elbow problem.

The spin bowler was forced out of the first Test, which was due to get underway earlier this evening, after suffering a recurrence of a previous issue with the joint.

The ECB has now confirmed through its Twitter account that the 33-year-old will undergo surgery to help relieve the problem, keeping him out of all three Tests due to take place between England and New Zealand this month.

It is not yet known whether Swann will be fit to face the Black Caps when they tour England later this year.

Rain has delayed the start of the first meeting between the two sides, which is taking place in Dunedin.