New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori has suffered injury scare ahead of the first Test against England from May 15.

Playing against Essex in a tour match, Vettori needed two stitches to the forefinger on his left hand on day two after he was hurt while backing up.

New Zealand, who made 348 had dominated against Essex, reducing them to 251-9.

X-rays test showed there was no break, but Vettori is expected to be fit for the first Test on May 15 at Lord’s. He is unlikely to play any further part in this match, and is also likely to miss the team's final warm-up match against England Lions at the Rose Bowl starting on Thursday, the BBC Sport reported.