WELLINGTON, Feb 3: An ankle injury has forced New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori out of this week’s two Twenty20 Internationals against England.

Vettori rolled his right ankle in training last week and although his condition has improved, New Zealand team officials said he would not play in the Twenty20 matches in Christchurch and Auckland.

“He’s a lot better today than yesterday but he’s made a pretty good job of his ankle,” New Zealand manager Lindsay Crocker told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) on Sunday.

“He’s been able to move a little bit more freely on it and he’s coming along but not in time for the Twenty20s.”

Crocker said Vettori was also in doubt for next weekend’s opening One-day International against England in Wellington but it was too early to make a decision.

Jeetan Patel has been called in to the squad as cover for Vettori while wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum will take over as skipper.

“It’s still too early to say because we’ve got a wee while before that first match. We’ll make a decision closer to the time,” Crocker said. “It’s sore to put weight on and that’s the issue. It’s better but far too early to be playing.”—Reuters