SYDNEY (Reuters)
Injured New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettoricould be fit for the second Test against Australia after originally being ruled out for up to six weeks, Australian Associated Press has reported.

New Zealand coach Denis Aberhart told AAP that Vettori, New Zealand's premier left-arm spinner, was making rapid progress after injuring an ankle and had a chance of returning for the second Test, which starts at Hobart on November 22. "We're still working on four to six weeks for Daniel," said Aberhart, "but we're hopeful it will be sooner than that."

Vettori, a key element of the New Zealand attack, was stretchered off with a torn ankle ligament while playing in the second tour game against an Australian Capital Territory Invitational XI. He had only just returned after missing a year with back problems.

Vettori, who has been flown home for treatment, told New Zealand media he was already able to walk again and that he was currently working hard to regain full movement in his ankle. Offspinner Paul Wiseman flew to Australia last week to replace the injured Vettori.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd