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Daniel Vettori rules himself out of England series

Vettori rules himself out of England series
© PA Photos
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori concedes that his return from an Achilles injury is not likely to come in time for the series against England in March.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori is almost certain to miss the upcoming visit of England with his problematic Achilles injury.

The Black Caps all-rounder has not played a Test match since July 2012, with wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum deputising in the captaincy role during that time.

The 34-year-old hopes to be fit for the reverse tour at the start of the English summer, but has admitted defeat in his battle to feature in the three-match series against Alastair Cook's side in March.

"I'm hoping to be available for selection for Northern Districts' one-day campaign (starting on February 28), and then whatever happens from there happens," said Vettori.

"Achilles are funny things - they come and go with the pain, and I need to prove to not only the selectors, but myself, that I can manage back-to-back days of cricket.

"I won't be able to play any four-day cricket, so the Test matches against England may be a stretch for me. The tour to England is probably a more realistic goal."

New Zealand travel to England for the reverse series in May, where they will play two Tests and three one-day internationals.

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