Former New Zealand [ Images ] captain Daniel Vettori [ Images ] is to take an indefinite break from the shorter forms of cricket in an attempt to extend his Test career.

The 32-year-old all rounder, the most effective bowler in one-day cricket according to the ICC [ Images ] rankings, said he was still hoping to play in the next World Cup for his country.

The left-arm spinner has taken more than 345 wickets and scored 4,167 runs in Test cricket and represented his country in 105 Tests since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1997 -- the youngest man to represent New Zealand.

"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 Blackcaps in Test cricket," Vettori, who has taken 282 wickets and scored 2105 runs in 50 overs cricket, said in a news release.

"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 Blackcaps World Cup team for 2015."

The Blackcaps play two Tests in neighbouring Australia [ Images ] in December before returning home to take on the Zimbabweans in one Test and South Africa [ Images ] in three in early 2012.

Vettori, who suffered from stress fractures in his back early in his career, resigned as captain after New Zealand's semi-final exit at the World Cup in March and has since been replaced by Ross Taylor [ Images ].