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AUCKLAND, Tuesday (Reuters) - Fast bowler Masrafe bin-Mordaza will miss Bangladesh's match against Auckland beginning on Wednesday after suffering a groin strain while fielding.

The right-arm paceman, who has trained under former West Indian fast bowler Andy Roberts, is regarded as a certainty for the Bangladesh test team.

The first of the two-test series begins in Hamilton on December 18 and Masrafe is expected to be fit to play.

The loss of Masrafe is a severe blow to Bangladesh in what should to be a stern test against a star-studded Auckland team.

Bangladesh have already suffered a rain-affected buildup to the match, with two days of their three-day game against a District Association XI at the weekend washed out.

Auckland also boast New Zealand internationals Mark Richardson and Lou Vincent, the two openers in the Perth test against Australia last week that almost ended in an upset win for the Kiwis.

Vincent, who scored 104 and 54 on his debut test, will bat at number three, while former test opener Matthew Horne will partner Richardson.

Also playing for Auckland is seam bowler Chris Drum, who took five wickets against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra following the Perth test.

Drum suffered a dislocated shoulder in his one and only test -- against Pakistan last year -- but has returned to excellent form this season. 

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