Daniel Vettori doubtful for tour of India, hints Brendon McCullum

Daniel Vettori could manage only one wicket in the opening Test against West Indies at Antigua © Getty Images

By CricketCountry Staff

Kingston: Aug 1, 2012

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum on Wednesday hinted that senior injured cricketer Daniel Vettori was doubtful for their upcoming tour of India, starting August 23.

Vettori is unavailable for the second Test against West Indies starting Thursday, August 2 at the Sabina Park in Kingston suffering a groin strain.

The 33-year-old managed to play on after suffering an adductor strain in the first Test, when the Black Caps slumped to a nine-wicket loss, but would not be fit for the Kingston match, NZC physiotherapist Paul Close said.

"He will require a rest from bowling and his return date will be determined by how well he responds to the treatment," Close said.

McCullum termed Vettori’s absence as a 'huge loss’ ahead of their second and final Test against the Caribbean side.

"It's a huge loss, not just for his performance on the field which he has done for a number of years consistently - he has really led us from that point of view - but also what he offers us in the changing room," McCullum was quoted as saying by New Zealand Herald.

"When you're out on the field you know that he has that experience to call on for some of the younger bowlers and even the batters as well.

"He's had a phenomenal career so far and we hope he rests up, gets himself recuperated and he comes back in a couple of months' time for us and we're able to gel him back into a team that is performing a bit better than of late," he added.