Cricket: Vettori cleared for Test series

Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori has been cleared to play in the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.

Vettori suffered delayed mild concussion after being struck in the helmet while batting in the one-day international series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, and did not play in the final two Twenty20s as a precautionary measure. He is feeling significantly better and will be available to play in the first Test starting on 24 November.

Vettori's shoulder injury was assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon this morning. He has some structural damage to the joint which will not affect his ability to bowl. Physiotherapy rehabilitation exercises will assist with the ongoing management of this injury. It will not affect his availability for the Test series.

In other cricket news, Black Caps strike bowler Kyle Mills is expected to undergo surgery in the next two weeks for a torn rotator cuff on his left shoulder.

He will also have surgery for a chronic injury to the patella tendon of his right knee which he has had for some time, but which has been managed without affecting his ability to play. The shoulder surgery provides him with an opportunity to also address this issue.

Mills is expected to be out of action for a minimum of four months with the major goal for his return to fitness being the ICC World Twenty20 starting in April 2010.