New Zealand's Vettori takes a break from one-dayers

WELLINGTON: Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is to take an indefinite break from the shorter forms of cricket in an attempt to extend his test career.

The 32-year-old all rounder, the most effective bowler in one-day cricket according to the ICC rankings, said he was still hoping to play in the next World Cup for his country.

The left-arm spinner has taken more than 345 wickets and scored 4,167 runs in test cricket and represented his country in 105 tests since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1997 -- the youngest man to represent New Zealand.

"My reason for taking a break from the shorter forms of the game is primarily so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent the Blackcaps in test cricket," Vettori, who has taken 282 wickets and scored 2105 runs in 50 overs cricket, said in a news release.

"I also believe a break now will give me the best possible chance to take up one-day cricket again in the next couple of years and, if all goes well, make the Blackcaps World Cup team for 2015."

The Blackcaps play two tests in neighbouring Australia in December before returning home to take on the Zimbabweans in one test and South Africa in three in early 2012.

Vettori, who suffered from stress fractures in his back early in his career, resigned as captain after New Zealand's semi-final exit at the World Cup in March and has since been replaced by Ross Taylor.

Copyright Reuters, 2011