Cricket: Vettori tests back with a brief spell

Daniel Vettori is back bowling but it could be two months before the spin sensation makes a return to international cricket.

Vettori tested his injured back at the bowling crease for a handful of overs in the nets this week.

It was his first bowl since returning from New Zealand's tour of Zimbabwe in September and being diagnosed with a stress fracture.

Northern Districts A have named the 21-year-old in their side to play two three-day matches over the Christmas/New Year period as a specialist batsman only.

"The back's feeling a lot stronger and I'm really looking forward to playing - it's exciting," Vettori said. "It's just a gradual loading programme at present and hopefully I could be bowling again in matches by the end of January."

Vettori has his sights initially on a return to the international stage for the first of five one-dayers against Pakistan at Eden Park on February 17 but he does not want to unduly rush things.

Vettori may make his return to the Northern Districts first team as a bowler in the Shell Trophy against Wellington in Hamilton on February 1-4. He would have two more four-day matches before the Pakistan series to determine his fitness.

"I've been told by the medical team that if the back is stiff and sore after playing I shouldn't worry - it's only if the pain is similar to what it became in Zimbabwe that I should stop."

- NZPA