Daniel Vettori's bowling performance for New Zealand in its six wicket loss to Pakistan at Eden Park today highlighted the importance he could be in the side's attack in the forthcoming Test matches.

However, it is not yet confirmed that Vettori will be available for selection.

Vettori bowled 10 overs and took two for 21 in today's game and was spinning the ball and flighting it better than at any previous time since his return from stress fractures in his back.

His health is being monitored carefully by New Zealand Cricket's medical panel and his workload is being constantly assessed.

NZC medical liaison man with the team Gilbert Enoka said from Christchurch today that the medical panel have been encouraged by the progress he has been making with his recovery and that everything was on course for him.

They had reviewed his situation after the Sri Lankan one-day series and would be doing the same after the Pakistan series.

Another player Shayne O'Connor will be going through the same process after suffering patella tendon problems in his knee, a little lower in the knee than the area Chris Cairns was operated on for last week.

O'Connor has been gradually working up his load and if he gets a clearance from the panel he could be play the last round Shell Trophy game for Otago and the New Zealand A team game against Pakistan at Lincoln University before the first Test.

© CricInfo