Vettori to return to shortest format with World T20

Wellington, June 20 (IANS) All-rounder Daniel Vettori has declared himself available for the Twenty20 World Cup in September, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced Wednesday.

Last year, Vettori had opted out of playing in T20 Internationals to focus on his Test career.

NZC chief executive David White was delighted that Vettori will be available for the mega-event in Sri Lanka and said the former captain will provide valuable experience to the side.

"Dan was the number one-ranked T20 bowler in 2009 and is widely regarded as one of the best T20 exponents in the world," said White in a statement.

"His availability is a real boost for the Blackcaps with his style of bowling well suited to conditions in Sri Lanka."

A driving force behind Vettori's decision to re-ignite his T20 career was his desire to compete in another world event, said National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn.

"Twenty20 is a format Dan enjoys and the opportunity to be part of a team which competes at a world event is enticing for him," said Littlejohn.

"He has been encouraged by his team mates, coaching staff and others at NZC and we are thrilled to have him in the mix."

The preliminary squad for the tournament will be announced July 18.