Jaipur, Nov 30: Injury-hit New Zealand today got a boost as their skipper Daniel Vettori declared his availability for second ODI while opener Brendon McCullum is still a doubtful starter for tomorrow's match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here.
Pacer Daryl Tuffey has already been ruled out of the remainder of the five-match ODI series due to a bicep strain and has returned home.
Both Vettori and McCullum missed the first ODI in Guwahati due to sore back, and the duo's participation is crucial to the Kiwis' prospects in the remaining four ODIs, especially after Tuffey also suffered an injury on his bowling arm in the previous match.
"Tuffey is out of the tour. I am coming in but I'm not sure about Brendon...haven't seen him training but will find out. We are waiting on his fitness," said Vettori after a net session at Rajasthan Cricket Association's academy today.
In the first match on Sunday, despite chasing a stiff target, Black Caps, at one stage, were in a chance to overhaul India's total but wickets at regular intervals did them in.
"We did create some chances to win the first game but didn't take them," was Vettori's assessment of the first match.
Talking of positives from the first match, Vettori praised Andy McKay's efforts with the ball and Ross Taylor's innings that threatened to take the game away from India.
"Andy McKay bowled beautifully and Taylor too batted well," the Kiwi skipper said. PTI
