Vettori spins back into test reckoning

Daniel Vettori will be "strongly considered" for the West Indies test series next month if he believes his body is up to the rigours of the five-day game.

The veteran New Zealand spinner takes another step towards an international comeback in a Twenty20 match for Northern Districts against Wellington at the Basin Reserve today.

Initially cautious after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery in Britain in June, Vettori is available for New Zealand in all three cricketing formats and earlier this month earmarked the India series in January-February as his likely comeback. But his speedy recovery and impressive form for Northern Districts piqued the interest of the national selectors, one of whom, Bruce Edgar, will be watching with interest today.

"It's over to Dan when he's ready. He knows his body but we would welcome his availability sooner rather than later, of course.

"It depends entirely on his recovery," Edgar said.