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Skipper Vettori fit to lead Black Caps

14/05/2008

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has declared himself fit for the first Test against England, which starts tomorrow at Lord's.

The all-rounder missed last week's warm-up match against England Lions after being forced to have stitches in his spinning finger.

Vettori's cut was an unusual one as it occurred when catching a routine throw from his own wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum during the previous tour match against Essex.

But the player himself has confirmed he fully expects to play against England in the first Test after having the stitches removed and being named in the tourists' 12-man team.

Black Caps head coach John Bracewell is backing Vettori to take part, telling the team's official website: "I'm completely confident he'll be ready to play as a bowler.

"The stitches came out yesterday, they eased out straight away so there was nothing stuck there.

"He's quite confident all the swelling's gone down and it's a matter of holding together."

Vettori was also forced to have a cortisone injection in his ankle as part of an ongoing treatment programme to deal with a problem he picked up during the domestic season.

But he took a full part in training at Lord's today and looked comfortable in all aspects of his game.