Essex v New Zealanders, Chelmsford, 2nd day

Injury scare for Vettori

Andrew McGlashan at Chelmsford

May 3, 2008

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was taken to hospital during the final session of the second day against Essex after injuring the index finger on his left hand while backing-up in the field. He required two stitches for a soft tissue injury and is almost certainly out of the final warm-up match against the England Lions next week, although should be fit for the first Test at Lord's on May 15.

He immediately ran off to the dressing room after backing up a wild throw from Brendon McCullum and was soon being driven to A&E for treatment. "There was a bit of blood, but we thought maybe he might have done some other damage - so we wanted to get it x-rayed to see maybe whether there was a problem with the tendon or bone," said Lindsay Crocker, the New Zealand manager.

"Daniel looked at it straight away and ran off the field straight away and feared the worst for a little while. But the worst would have been some injury to the bone, and that is not the case. It's just a soft-tissue split - and he's had two stitches," Crocker added. "He should have the stitches out in about a week and should be fine, which will leave him short of a gallop before the Test. He wanted to play both these two games to get quite a few overs in. He's not going to get that opportunity now but should be right to play in the first Test."

Vettori only arrived in the country two days ago after his stint in the IPL. He made 22 on the opening day then produced a tidy spell of bowling which included the wicket of Ryan ten Doeschate, caught at short leg. However, that 11-over spell is now likely to be his only first-class bowling before the Test series starts. Being his major spinning finger, Vettori won't be allowed to wear any protection that touches the ball when he bowls.

"They [the doctors] did a very thorough job on him. We explained very carefully the importance of Daniel to us - and particularly that left forefinger," Crocker said. "They took that on board. The doctor went to great lengths, cleaned it out really well and did a microscopic job."

New Zealand do have spin-bowling cover on the tour with Jeetan Patel, the offspinner, part of the squad. He played two Tests during the recent series against England and impressed with his control and character.

Vettori's injury comes the day after Alastair Cook suffered a dislocated little finger, but he was able to open the batting as normal for Essex.

Andrew McGlashan is a staff writer at Cricinfo

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