Dan not the man for Black Caps

New Zealand's hopes of levelling the two-Test series against West Indies were dealt a bruising bouncer with the news that Daniel Vettori is out of the second match starting today in Jamaica.

The Black Caps’ supreme spinner has a groin strain ruling him out of his side’s must-win clash. The left-armer suffered a right abductor strain during the first Test against their hosts, which New Zealand lost by nine wickets.

That isn’t just bad news for today’s match but also for the side’s two-Test face-off against India later this month. Vettori and Co are due to travel to the subcontinent for the first clash starting on August 23 and the worry is Vettori won’t be even ready for that match.

“Dan [Vettori] had some discomfort while in the field on day three of the first Test match with assessment confirming an adductor injury,” Paul Close, the team's physiotherapist, said.

“It was managed during the match but further assessment has indicated he will not be fully fit in time for the next Test.

“Dan will return to New Zealand where here will be monitored closely and undergo a period of rehabilitation.

“He will require a rest from bowling and his return date will be determined by how well he responds to the treatment.”

Vettori is the former skipper of a side that currently finds itself in dire need of some inspiration and good luck. He has taken 360 wickets in 112 Tests.