Achilles surgery rules out Daniel Vettori for six months from cricket

Former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has been ruled out from competitive cricket for next six months as a part of the rehabilitation program to recover from Achilles surgery. As a result, he has not renewed the central contract offered to him by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

The combative all-rounder, who is now 34, had a surgery on his left Achilles last month in UK after making one appearance for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka.

Vettori in a statement released by NZC said:”I am very focused on my recovery from my recent surgery and will be working hard to get back onto the playing field over the next six-month period.”

“However, I feel that with my present injury situation it would be wrong for me to take a retainer contract.

“Given the time I’ll need to spend out of the game with my recovery, and the level of uncertainty about when I may play again, it doesn’t feel right that I take up a retainer contract this year.”

It has been horrific last 12 months for Vettori as various injuries has kept him away from international cricket and had to take pain killers to play during the Champions Trophy.

Vettori also added he would not ask for a retainer contract with his home team, Northern Districts, in New Zealand’s domestic cricket.