Veteran Vettori poised for Test comeback on spin-friendly wicket in Sharjah against Pak

Veteran New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori is poised to make Test comeback for a spin-friendly wicket in Sharjah as the team is considering changes for the series-deciding third match against Pakistan.

New Zealand, who are 1-0 down in the series, need to be aggressive and that could start before a ball is even bowled on Wednesday. Coach Mike Hesson said that they were considering how they can further improve a side that gained a solid draw in the second Test after being well-beaten in the opening match in Abu Dhabi.

Vettori was in the United Arab Emirates with the New Zealand A side and trained with the team overnight. The prospect of left-arm orthodox Vettori joining leg spinner Ish Sodhi and off spinner Mark Craig in a rare three-spin attack is realistic, Stuff.co.nz reported.

New Zealand needs to be confident that Vettori could manage the workload. His fitness and building form for the World Cup were his priority, but sharing this Test assignment could ease the pressures on him.

Hesson held the 35-year-old Vettori in high regard. The veteran's Test career looked to be over, with his last Test being against the West Indies in July 2012, but now he could be set to take over from former skipper Stephen Fleming as New Zealand's most capped Test player.

They share the record with 111 appearances at present, though Vettori also boasts a Test for a World XI in 2005.

Hesson said that they would look at their options within the squad and they would select a side that gives them the best chance of winning a Test match.