Cricket World

McCullum hopes Vettori gets fit for Pakistan Test

New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum hoped Daniel Vettori regains full fitness to lead the team in the first Test against Pakistan starting later this month.

McCullum hope Daniel gets fit to lead the team in the Tests, McCullum said of the regular captain who missed team's two Twenty20 matches which finished in Pakistan's 2-0 win here on Friday.

Vettori felt concussion after being hit on the grille of his helmet during the third one-day match at Abu Dhabi last week. He vomitted before CT scans revealed no injury, but doctors advised him two-weeks rest.

That put Vettori in doubt for the first Test against Pakistan starting at Dunedin from November 25.

McCullum reckoned both teams were evenly balanced.

McCullum think that Pakistani spinners Danish Kaneria and Saeed Ajmal are danger bowling hand.

Pakistan has been a dangerous side for a number of years and we have to be at our best to beat them. Pakistan, at times, can do amazing things in batting, bowling and fielding.

New Zealand had to tour Pakistan for three one-day, two Twenty20 and three Test matches but the limited over series was shifted to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Tests to New Zealand over security fears in Pakistan.

McCullum said The conditions here in the UAE suited Pakistan but back home they will be in our advantage. The real thing is how you play in Tests, which is very different to limited over matches.

New Zealand will also hope opener Jesse Ryder, paceman Daryl Tuffey and all-rounder Grant Elliott, who all missed the UAE tour due to injuries -- get fit for the Tests.

McCullum said New Zealand players have learnt a lot during the UAE tour.