E-Paper
Vettori on the way back
New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori was aiming to prove his fitness in a bid to play in Thursday's triangular series opener against England.
New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori was aiming to prove his fitness on Tuesday in a bid to play in Thursday's triangular series one-day opener against England at Old Trafford.
The Kiwi left-armer was excused training in order to play for Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) against King's School in Macclesfield, north-west England.
Vettori, New Zealand's premier spinner, suffered a hamstring injury which kept him out of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge two weeks ago.
His was just one of several injury problems that plagued the tourists during a Test series where they were whitewashed 3-0.
But with opening batsman Michael Papps recovering well from a broken finger, New Zealand are confident of having a fully fit squad for the triangular series which also features the West Indies.
Instead it is England who now have injury problems with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and opening batsman Marcus Trescothick both doubtful for Thursday's day/night opener.
It was an irony not lost on New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who told reporters at Old Trafford on Tuesday: "Well, rather late than never. You always look at the other camp and you don't wish any injury upon anyone, but injuries have dictated part of this summer.
"It seems to be one of those frustrations that all teams have," the left-handed opening batsman added.
"They are two key players for the England side. They will have concerns and we know how they feel and what they will be going through.
"But part of your strength as a squad is to be able to adapt. We came up a little bit short but England will hope they can cover any problems they may have."
New Zealand are involved in the tournament's first two games - after Old Trafford they take on the West Indies at Edgbaston on Saturday - and Fleming is expecting an improved showing in the shorter game following a disappointing Test campaign.
"I think our one-day game is in much better shape. Over the last dozen games, we have won nine or 10.
"Also you can make up for injuries and players missing in the one-day game whereas over the longer form you are more exposed.
"We are probably better equipped for the one-day game and that is something that has swung round in the last couple of years."
Looking ahead, Fleming said winning the July 10 series final at Lord's was crucial to restoring his squad's pride.
"We haven't been as good as we've wanted to be on this tour so far. We have to win this tournament, get to the final at Lord's, to make sure we go home with our heads held higher than they would have been if we were knocked out early."
