Veteran bowler Daniel Vettori and all-rounder Jacob Oram have been sidelined for the 2nd clash between New Zealand and Australia at Auckland because of injuries. The ongoing Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is a one-day international series between the two nations played in honor of the legendary players. Skipper Vettori is facing neck injuries and was unable to bowl or bat on Friday, 5th March, 2010 at his training session. Oram has been ruled out due to his knee injury which he picked up at the Napier match.
Medical reports of Oram suggest that he suffered a partial tearing of his patella tendon and is in no condition to return to the field for the rest of the series. Vettori reported about the matter to the media, “I got through the fielding session well but I didn’t bat today so I’m just going to leave it until the last possible minute. I’ve had this injury for about 13 years. It flares up and down occasionally. I’m just hoping I wake up feeling good in the morning.”
Offspinner Nathan McCullum has been called up as a replacement of Vettori in case if he is unfit for play. New Zealand team manager, Dave Currie confirmed the news on Friday, “It is expected that Jacob will recover in three to four weeks, however he will be out for the balance of the Australian series.” He further added when asked about Vettori, “”He’s not 100 per cent certain (to play). The neck was a bit stiff. We’re certainly hopeful and he’s hopeful, but again we’ll get through today and get more treatment and see how he wakes up in the morning.”