New Zealand delay team announcement for Sri Lanka tour

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 on Friday 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."