New Zealand Cricket slams Vettori, Patel after drinking incident

Daniel Vettori and Jeetan Patel have said sorry for their conduct after a night out in Queenstown. The incident left Patel unable to take the field for New Zealand XI during a tour match against England. Another drinking incident among its players has led New Zealand Cricket to release a statement calling their behaviour "completely unacceptable".

Patel, who missed the second day's play, had actually suffered mild concussion after an alleged altercation with a bouncer outside a bar the night before.

NZC said it was "deeply disappointed" with the pair. The news comes after Doug Bracewell was ruled out of the first Test with a cut foot sustained following a party at his house. Bracewell was hurt while cleaning up, although he also apologised for the incident and was "reminded of his responsibilities".

"New Zealand Cricket understands that Jeetan Patel was refused entry to a bar in Queenstown," Fairfax Media reported on Wednesday. "He subsequently fell and hit his head. Patel returned to the team hotel, felt unwell and took himself to A and E.

"Team management has spoken strongly to Patel and Vettori, telling them that their behaviour was completely unacceptable. Both players apologised to team management at the time."

Vettori has not played any cricket since the World Twenty20 and is recovering from an Achilles injury. He said: "My behaviour was completely unprofessional in going out and I should have spent time with Jeetan in another way. I would like to apologise to the NZ Cricket medical team who I was there to work with and to anyone else who is disappointed in my behaviour."

"I am sorry for my behaviour that evening and I accept that it was totally inappropriate for me to be out drinking during a match where I was representing my country," Patel said.