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. 

Styris wants to carry on in ODIs

New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris Sunday said he wanted to play limited overs cricket as long as possible as his desire for improvement is still alive.

"I want to play as long as I can and trying to improve so that I can be in the team and having achieved what I wanted to achieve it's important to strive," Styris said ahead of Monday's series deciding third match against Pakistan.

Styris dismissed Younus Khan (19), Shahid Afridi (nought) and Kamran Akmal (four) in the space of just ten balls to help New Zealand beat Pakistan by 64 runs in the second match on Friday.

Pakistan won the first match by 138 runs on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old retired from the five-day Tests in February last year in a bid to prolong his ODI and Twenty20 career but said he still seeks improvement.

"I wasn't expecting (to bowl), it surprised me but I have always loved bowling and have been an allrounder throughout my career, so I loved bowling and when it helped my team win, its pleasing," said Styris.

Styris was not part of New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy squad last month but was later called in as cover after injuries depleted the team in South Africa.

He earned a place after fast-rising all-rounder Grant Elliott, opener Jesse Ryder and fast bowler Daryl Tuffey failed to make the UAE trip due to injuries.

Styris said he has been enjoying the Indian Premier League (IPL), which provided him a chance to share thoughts with players from other countries.

"IPL is fantastic, great to enjoy and gives an opportunity to talk cricket with a lot of other players, like Deccan Charges had Shahid Afridi from Pakistan and Australia's Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds."

Styris hoped Test cricket will survive Twenty20 cricket's popularity.

"Twenty20 is getting very popular and IPL can also be part of the landscape of cricket, but I sincerely hope Test cricket and one-day cricket will survive," said Styris.