WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s hopes for the three-Test series against Pakistan have been boosted by news that captain Daniel Vettori has been cleared of injury fears.

Vettori suffered a mild concussion in the one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and did not go on to play in the two Twenty/20 matches in Dubai. “He is feeling significantly better and will be available to play in the first Test starting on 24 November,” New Zealand Cricket said.

Vettori also has a shoulder injury and was examined Monday by a specialist, who found some structural damage, although it was not expected to affect his ability to bowl.

But the news was gloomier for pace bowler Kyle Mills, who is expected to be ruled out from playing for at least four months, with hopes he will be back for the ICC World Twenty20 starting in April.