Vettori confident of returning for South Africa clash

Monday, 21 March 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MUMBAI, March (Reuters) - New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was confident he will be fully fit for their World Cup quarter-final against South Africa.

The left-arm spinner hurt his knee while trying to take a catch against Pakistan on March 8 and missed New Zealand’s group matches against Canada and Sri Lanka.

The Kiwis have finished fourth in their group and will play against Group B winners South Africa in their last-eight match, the venue of which will be decided after Sunday’s match between India and West Indies in Chennai.

“Skill-wise I should be all right to get through the batting and bowling, it is just the running around that is hampering me a little bit,” Vettori said after a training session on Sunday.

“But I still have a few days left and I am confident of being available for that (match).”

Vettori said he might have to deal with a little bit of pain but the signs are positive.

“I have to be a bit brave on it and realise I am not going to do any more damage. I just have to deal with a little bit of the pain. The more I can do on it the more comfortable I will feel,” he said. “The main thing is being able to try and work around everything else. I am very confident I will be able to bowl during the quarter final.

“It feels all right bowling but I haven’t done it in under pressure conditions and there haven’t been any short, sharp, unpredictable movements. That will be the next step over the next few days.”

New Zealand have been hit by several injuries during their campaign with pacemen Kyle Mills and Hamish Bennett still recovering from injuries.

The Kiwis have called up experienced seamer Daryl Tuffey to join the squad as an injury cover for fast bowlers.

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