Vettori aims to return by May

 Injured New Zealand cricket great Daniel Vettori has set a May target to resume his international career with captain Brendon McCullum saying he should be an automatic selection if fit.

Vettori, one of the world’s leading all rounders, has been plagued by Achilles and back injuries and last played Test cricket 18 months ago.

The 35-year-old has now ruled himself out of a comeback at the World Twenty20 tournament in Bangladesh in March but said he is targeting New Zealand’s tour of the West Indies in May as the series that will determine if he can revive his career.

“I want to commit to that tour otherwise it will be too hard to keep trying to come back,” the left-arm spinner said following a meeting with McCullum and New Zealand coach Mike Hesson.

“Mike and Brendon made it clear that if I play for New Zealand again I’ve got to deliver in all three facets of the game, which is completely fair. I can’t just bowl 24 balls and then expect to be hidden in the outfield.”

Vettori last played a Test in July 2012 against the West Indies.