Miracle man Vettori flies back into Test reckoning

Daniel Vettori is set to rejoin the New Zealand squad on Saturday and could even press for a place in the first Test against Australia after making a remarkable recovery from injury.

Vettori was stretchered off with a torn ankle ligament against an Australian Capital Territory invitational side on October 21 and flown home after being ruled out for between four to six weeks.

But the left-arm spinner, who had been expected to miss the first two matches of the three-Test series, will return after taking four for 36 in 10 overs for a New Zealand academy side against the State Auckland Aces in Christchurch on Friday.

"We're delighted with the way Daniel came through," New Zealand Cricket medical adviser Graeme Nuttridge was quoted as saying by New Zealand Press Association.

The New Zealanders, who face world champions Australia in the first Test starting in Brisbane on November 8, have been unable to bowl sides out in their three matches so far on tour.

On Friday, they declared at 444 for nine after Nathan Astle made 223 but then allowed Queensland to score 140 for one in reply.

The 22-year-old Vettori, only just back from a year out of Test cricket with back problems, has taken 106 wickets in 31 Tests and has a good record against Australia, taking 20 wickets at an average of 26.40.

Earlier New Zealand had suggested Vettori would be held back for the second Test in Hobart but the spinner told reporters he had been keen to resume as soon as possible.

"It was a dead wicket, there were a few footmarks, but it was nice to get a few wickets," he said.

Meanwhile Australia captain Steve Waugh, 36, will play his first match of the Australian season on Saturday when he steps out for Sydney club team Bankstown in a bid to prove his fitness for the first Test.

Australian officials are confident Waugh has overcome a calf complaint.

Mail Cricket Editor