London, June 5 : New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori hgas played down the use of high-tech bowlers' trousers, specially designed to put the shine on the ball, for the third Test against England at Trent Bridge.

The trousers, manufactured by New Zealand-based outfitters Canterbury, were set to be used only from October, but they have been tried in practice.

There was plenty of fuss about the trousers at Trent Bridge, but New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori sought to play down their apparent magical powers.

Vettori confirmed the new high-tech micro-shine trousers were road tested by two unnamed players during the second Test at Old Trafford and the tour match at Northampton, but wouldn't be seen in the third Test.

The trousers feature a chamois-like patch to impart more shine to the ball, and thereby, help it to swing.

Canterbury's new deal with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) doesn't start until the new season in October, and the players were careful to fulfil their current obligations to their individual batting gear sponsors.

"Only one guy wore them in the Test match and one guy wore them at Northants. It's hard to give conclusive feedback so far," Vettori said.

Vettori wouldn't name the two players who tested them at the manufacturer's request, for fear of incurring the wrath of their gear sponsor, stuff.co.nz reported.

ANI