Vettori halts his career in limited overs' format

Former New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori, the world's top-ranked limited overs bowler, announced on Saturday that he is taking an indefinite break from the short game to prolong his Test career.

The 32-year-old, who is also ranked ninth among the world's leading ODI all-rounders, said he may return in time for the 2015 World Cup but in the meantime he wants to focus on adding to his 105 Tests.

"My reason for taking a break from the shorter forms of the game is primarily so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent the Black Caps in Test cricket," he said.

"I also believe a break now will give me the best possible chance to take up one-day cricket again in the next couple of years and, if all goes well, make the Black Caps World Cup team for 2015."

Vettori, who has played 272 one-day internationals and 28 international Twenty20s, stepped down as New Zealand captain earlier this year when the side were beaten semi-finalists at the last World Cup.