Vettori could fly back to Australia on Saturday

Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori's recovery from an ankle injury will be tested on Friday when he plays for a New Zealand Academy side against the State Auckland Aces in Christchurch.

New Zealand Cricket Operations Manager John Reid said on Wednesday if Vettori showed signs of progress in the one-day match he would fly back to Australia on Saturday to join the team ahead of the first Test which starts on November 8 in Brisbane.

But Vettori is not expected to play before the four-day match against South Australia state starting in Adelaide on November 16.

He would then hopefully be fit to play in the second Test in Hobart starting on November 22, Reid said.

Vettori suffered a torn ankle ligament ten days ago while playing a tour game against an Australian Capital Territory invitational XI.

"Vettori returned to New Zealand last Thursday with an ankle ligament injury and it was feared that he would be out of cricket for six to eight weeks," New Zealand Cricket said in a prepared statement released on Wednesday.

"His recovery, however, has been far faster than initially anticipated and he is now walking and running comfortably."

Reid said Vettori's ankle had been extremely swollen in the initial stages but intensive treatment in the first 48 hours had played a big role in speeding his recovery.

"Daniel will undertake a controlled re-introduction to cricket and will not be risked by rushing a return before he is fully fit," Reid said in the prepared statement.

"However, should he come through Friday's fitness test without incident, we have taken the view that it is more sensible for him to continue his rehabilitation within the team environment," Reid added.

Vettori was initially expected to miss the first two Tests of the three-match series.

The 22-year-old has taken 106 wickets in 31 Tests and has a good record against Australia, taking 20 wickets at an average of 26.40.

Mail Cricket Editor