Vettori could fill Oram void

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is not averse to filling the batting role left vacant by Jacob Oram's retirement from Test cricket.

Oram has batted at No 6 for the Blacks Caps at Test level with Vettori usually coming in a couple of places further down the order.

But with the 31-year-old now focusing on the shorter forms of the game, the Black Caps skipper undoubtedly has the pedigree - 3484 runs at 29.77 and 302 wickets over 93 Tests - to move up to the middle order.

"I think it is something we'll have to have a look at. It's not something I'm averse to. I've stepped up in the one-dayers in terms of moving up the order and maybe now is the right time to do that (in Tests) as well," Vettori said.

One possible drawback, though, would be the increase in workload for Vettori who has had his fair share of back injuries in the past.

"We've been talking about the workload on Jacob and I suppose the workload on me will only increase but maybe it's the right thing to do and maybe it's the opportunity for me to step up and actually fulfil that role," he told Radio Sport.

New Zealand's next Test series is against Pakistan which begins late next month. Prior to that the Blacks Caps play a one-day and Twenty20 series against the same opponents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The squad for the limited-overs matches is expected to be named on Thursday.

The series, originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan earlier this year, was postponed following the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore in March.