Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, will know this weekend whether an injured finger will prevent him playing a full role in next week’s first Test against England at Lord’s. “I’m having the stitches taken out on Saturday or Sunday and I’ll know a little bit more then,” Vettori said.

John Bracewell, the Kiwi coach, will step down when his contract expires next April, New Zealand Cricket said on Friday. “John has informed me that he will not be looking to extend his contract for another term and will instead pursue other coaching opportunities,” NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said.