WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – New Zealand Cricket (NZC)  have delayed naming their squad for next month’s tour of Sri  Lanka because the itinerary is still to be ratified.
NZC had planned to announce their squad yesterday but will  wait until next week when the fixtures are due to be confirmed,  the New Zealand Press Association reported.

Offspinner Jeetan Patel is expected to be available for  selection after his injured knee was not bad as initially  feared.

Patel was released by his English county side Warwickshire  after hurting his knee but will return home next week and be  available for selection.  “Jeetan just needs a couple of weeks to recuperate after  suffering a sprain to the medial collateral ligament of his  right knee,” New Zealand team manager Dave Currie said.  “He will rest the knee for a short while but will resume  training within a couple of weeks and should be bowling in the  nets soon thereafter.

“We are confident that he will be back to full fitness in  time to be available for the Sri Lanka tour.”