Cricket: Spin bowler's career in the air

Kerikeri's Bruce Martin may have played his last test match for the Black Caps after being ruled out of the England series.

The 33-year-old spin bowler suffered a calf injury during the Black Caps' first test lost to England at Lords over the weekend and will be replaced by Daniel Vettori, pending the outcome of a fitness test.

With the possible return of the 34-year-old Vettori, Martin's test future looks to be in the air after he was chosen as a stand-in for Vettori while he nursed his injury prone body.

In recent months Martin has managed to oust Jeetan Patel to be the next in line for New Zealand's test bowling ace, behind fellow left-arm spin bowler Vettori.

Martin, known as 'Bucko' to his teammates, has played four tests this year, all against England, and has taken 10 wickets at an average 47.10. His figures have been blown out thanks to a few innings where Martin struggled to break through, otherwise after two tests Martin had a respectable average of 29.22.

Vettori, a veteran of three previous England tours, arrived in London yesterday and is scheduled to train with the team as soon as he has recovered from his flight.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said Vettori would be assessed to see whether the practice bowling he has had with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League has him prepared to play five days of cricket.

"He's come over 24 hours early to let us have a look at him," Hesson said. We won't be pushing Dan but we'd love to have him."

Hesson said the intelligence he had received is that the Headingley wicket had played a lot drier this season than its seaming predecessor. Overhead conditions could influence the thinking to play Doug Bracewell as a fourth pace bowler, but that is unlikely if Vettori passes muster.

If Vettori is not fit Hesson said they would consider Patel, who is playing at Warwickshire and took five wickets in his last match.

Vettori last played a test for New Zealand in July on the West Indies tour. Patel played and was later dropped after the tour to South Africa.