da bwin： PERTH – New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori is expected to be cleared toplay in Friday’s tri-series match against South Africa despite sufferinga heavy head knock last night.
AAP30-Jan-2002PERTH – New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori is expected to be cleared toplay in Friday’s tri-series match against South Africa despite sufferinga heavy head knock last night.Vettori’s head struck the ground hard as he fell backwards whileattempting to take a catch during last night’s dramatic loss toAustralia at the MCG.He bowled two more overs before leaving the field and later underwentprecautionary tests.The Kiwis flew to Perth today with Vettori expected to be fit for theirlast round-robin match against the Proteas at the WACA when they’llattempt to clinch a finals berth.Star allrounder Chris Cairns said on arrival that the Black Caps had notlost confidence as a result of Australia’s big fightback to win lastmight’s match.”We are still confident of course, we’re still leading the competitionso we are one win away from cementing a place in it,” Cairns said.However, he was not sure if he would be able to bowl in Friday’s match.”We are going to reassess it [his back] and wait and see, after a longjourney over here, it’s a bit stiff.”A New Zealand win would secure the Black Caps’ position in the finalswhile South Africa and Australia will decide their fates in their matchon Sunday in Perth.