Veteran Vettori still in frame for World Cup

New Zealand

New Zealand veteran spinner Daniel Vettori has not played international cricket in over a year, but the Black Caps are not ready to let him go, saying he is still in the picture for the World Cup next year.

New Zealand veteran spinner Daniel Vettori has not played international cricket in over a year, but the Black Caps are not ready to let him go, saying he is still in the picture for the World Cup next year.

Vettori has been in and out of action for over a year with various injuries, including an Achilles problem, and last played an ODI in June 2013. His most recent cricket was in January, in the Big Bash League for Brisbane.

The 35-year-old had aimed to play in the current tour of the West Indies, but did not have enough cricket under his belt. But with only Mark Craig as a spinner now, and Kane Williamson's action under scrutiny, Vettori is still a viable option.

Bowling coach Shane Bond said: "I think the World Cup is certainly a carrot. I think he's training pretty hard at home and all accounts he's keen.

"I think probably more we have a genuine chance of winning the World Cup at home. I hope so and I don't know what I can offer Dan, just push him, prod him, kick him in the bum and make sure he's doing hard work."

Vettori has 275 ODIs to his name, and 284 wickets in the format, at an average of 31.50.

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