LONDON, May 12: New Zealand vice-captain Brendon McCullum admits his side will need skipper Daniel Vettori back in action if they are to get revenge on England.

The Kiwis were beaten by England on home turf earlier this year but they have a chance to make amends in Thursday’s first Test at Lord’s.

McCullum knows New Zealand’s chances of getting off to a winning start in the three-Test series will be greatly improved if Vettori recovers from a finger injury in time to play.

The spinner needed stitches in his left index finger after suffering the injury during his country’s tour match against Essex.

Vettori has had the stitches removed but is still not certain to play at Lord’s after missing New Zealand’s warm-up against the England Lions.

“We’re crossing our fingers that he’s going to be all right. He’s such a huge part of our team captaincy-wise, bowling-wise and also with the bat and to have such an experienced player like that on the sidelines is obviously a huge frustration,” McCullum stated.

“If Daniel’s playing it certainly gives us a lot more opportunity to win a series than what it does without him.”

McCullum believes New Zealand’s performance against the Lions was good enough to suggest they can upset England.

“This was a thorough workout leading into the Test match. I think we got through some pretty sound work for the bowlers and the batsmen really put their hands up and took their opportunities,” he said.—AFP