Rising

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has been ruled out of next week's two Twenty20 internationals against England after failing to recover from injury.

The 28-year-old left-arm spinner, the most economical bowler in last year's ICC World Twenty20 Championships, has failed to recover from an ankle problem sustained in training last week.

He had hoped to respond to treatment after assembling with the rest of New Zealand's squad in Auckland ahead of the first of two Twenty20 internationals at Eden Park on Tuesday.

But he has now been ruled out of both Twenty20 matches and could be doubtful for the opener to the five-match one-day international series in Wellington next Saturday.

Hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum will lead the side in Vettori's absence and off-spinner Jeetan Patel has already been called into the squad as cover.

The absence of Vettori, though, will hit New Zealand hard for the one-day section of the tour, particularly after losing spearhead Shane Bond only last week when his contract was terminated because of his links with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

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