Vettori out of Lions clash

Black Caps eager to finish preparations with a flourish

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 7th May 2008

Vettori out of Lions clash

Vettori: Injury concern

I'm confident, but I've never dealt with this (injury) before and it's in the worst possible spot.

Daniel Vettori
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New Zealand are without captain Daniel Vettori for their final warm-up match against England Lions at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.

The Black Caps skipper has cut his left index finger and he, along with seamer Kyle Mills will not feature in an otherwise strong Kiwis line-up.

The tourists will be looking for an improved display on the South Coast after their pre-series preparations have been hampered by a combination of English weather and the inaugural Indian Premier League.

New Zealand's opening warm-up game against Kent was restricted to just one full day due to the elements, and with skipper Vettori among five players missing from the start of the tour while competing in the multi-billion dollar tournament - rumours have circulated of unrest in the Black Caps camp.

Vettori confident

Vice-captain Brendon McCullum will lead the side against the Lions and bat at number five - where he is expected to bat during the Test series, but Vettori remains confident of his return for the opening Test at Lord's on May 15.

"I'm having the stitches taken out on Saturday or Sunday and I'll know a little bit more then," said Vettori.

"I'm confident, but I've never dealt with this before and it's in the worst possible spot."

New Zealand team to face England Lions at the Rose Bowl: Brendon McCullum (capt & wkt), Jamie How, Aaron Redmond, James Marshall, Ross Taylor, Daniel Flynn, Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin.