Fleming is the longest serving captain in international cricket

He will miss the first two games of the forthcoming one-day series against Australia but hopes to play the final game on 10 December.

Team manager Lindsay Crocker said the tumour, on Fleming's jaw-line in front of his left ear, had been benign.

But he added: "The size of the tumour caused nerve damage which was repaired with further surgery on Wednesday."

New Zealand Cricket had kept Fleming's condition under wraps.

But when the squad for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series was announced on Wednesday, it was said he would miss the opening first game because of a "personal medical matter".

Fleming, the longest serving captain in intenational cricket, is now resting with a view to playing a domestic fixture on 5 December.

If he comes through that, he will then be considered for selection for the match against Australia in Christchurch five days later.

"We are very pleased for Stephen, who must have had a stressful time over the past week," said Crocker.

Vice-captain Daniel Vettori will lead the team in the first two games against Australia.