21 May 2013

Vettori joins test squad in England

11:39 am on 21 May 2013

Daniel Vettori has arrived in England 24 hours earlier than scheduled as a likely replacement for fellow left-arm spinner Bruce Martin in the New Zealand XI for the second cricket test starting on Friday night in Leeds.

Martin has been ruled out of the tour with a calf muscle injury, and Vettori could end up playing in his first test for 10 months.

The former New Zealand captain had originally been selected in New Zealand's one-day team and the squad for next month's Champions Trophy tournament in England.

Coach Mike Hesson says they won't pressure Vettori into playing the Headingley test, but if he's ready they'd love to have him.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who injured his knee during the Lord's test, is reported to be making good progress.