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Cricket

Vettori to miss England clash

03/02/2008

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of his side's Twenty-20 fixtures against England next week.

Team officials for the Kiwis have confirmed that the 28-year-old will not play a part in the Twenty-20 fixtures in Auckland and Christchurch because of an ankle injury.

Having picked up the problem after rolling his right ankle in training last week, Vettori has received constant treatment but may not recover in time for New Zealand's one-day international clash against England in Wellington next Saturday.

"It's still too early to say because we've got a wee while before that first match. We'll make a decision closer to the time," manager Lindsay Crocker told the New Zealand Press Association.

She added: "He's been able to move a little bit more freely on it and he's coming along but not in time for the Twenty20s."

"He's a lot better today than yesterday but he's made a pretty good job of his ankle."

"It's sore to put weight on and that's the issue. It's better but far too early to be playing," Croker told the news provider.

Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum has been named by New Zealand as a stand-in captain, while Vettori's bowling duties have been covered by the appointment of spinner Jeetan Patel.

Paul Collingwood's England side will play their opening Twenty-20 fixture against the Kiwis on Tuesday at Eden Park, Auckland before lining up against the home side again at Christchurch two days later.

England's preparations have been buoyed by two comfortable one-day victories against Canterbury this weekend.