Vettori to take surgeon's advise on chronic shoulder injury

Wellington, Nov. 11 (ANI): New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori, who is suffering from a chronic shoulder injury in his bowling arm, will see a surgeon on his return from the United Arab Emirates.

A New Zealand Cricket spokesman confirmed Vettori's injury that came to light this winter and continued through the Champions Trophy in South Africa, and it was being closely monitored.

"Dan's shoulder came through the Champions Trophy better than expected. We are not anticipating he will miss any international cricket this summer," The New Zealand Herald quoted the spokesman, as saying.

"It is more than likely he will see a surgeon when he returns but at this point, if any work has to be done, we anticipate that it will be at the end of the summer or even at the end of the world Twenty20 champs. We're trying to manage as best we can," he added.

The NZC and Vettori are hoping that his shoulder bears up under the strain.

With coach Andy Moles resignation last month, Vettori's already bulging portfolio of responsibilities has increased further.

He is captain, selector, allrounder and surrogate coach.

If the worst-case scenario comes true and Vettori is advised to either have surgery or rest his shoulder, the selectors will have a daunting task of appointing a new captain.

The New Zealand Cricket stripped Brendon McCullum of vice-captaincy duties before the trip to the United Arab Emirates, telling him to concentrate on his responsibilities behind the stumps and with the bat.

He responded with his best one-day innings for New Zealand, a run-a-ball 131 in Saturday's second ODI.

McCullum would remain the frontrunner to take over from Vettori.(ANI)