Vettori drops out of ODIs, T20s
Former captain wants to focus on Test cricket.
WELLINGTON:
Former New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori, the world’s top-ranked limited-overs bowler, announced he is taking an indefinite break from the short game to prolong his Test career.
The 32-year-old, who is also ranked ninth among the world’s leading one-day all-rounders, said he may return in time for the 2015 World Cup but in the meantime he wants to focus on adding to his 105 Tests.
“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 Black Caps in Test cricket,” he said. “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 Black Caps World Cup team for 2015.”
Vettori, who has played 272 One-Day Internationals and 28 international Twenty20s, stepped down as New Zealand captain earlier this year when the side was beaten as semi-finalists at the last World Cup.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he respected Vettori’s decision to target Tests while keeping his options open for the future.
Vettori was the youngest player ever to represent New Zealand at the age of 18 taking two for 98 in his first innings against England in 1997 and is now one of only eight players to have more than 300 Test wickets and 3,000 runs.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2011.
Former New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori, the world’s top-ranked limited-overs bowler, announced he is taking an indefinite break from the short game to prolong his Test career.
The 32-year-old, who is also ranked ninth among the world’s leading one-day all-rounders, said he may return in time for the 2015 World Cup but in the meantime he wants to focus on adding to his 105 Tests.
“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 Black Caps in Test cricket,” he said. “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 Black Caps World Cup team for 2015.”
Vettori, who has played 272 One-Day Internationals and 28 international Twenty20s, stepped down as New Zealand captain earlier this year when the side was beaten as semi-finalists at the last World Cup.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he respected Vettori’s decision to target Tests while keeping his options open for the future.
Vettori was the youngest player ever to represent New Zealand at the age of 18 taking two for 98 in his first innings against England in 1997 and is now one of only eight players to have more than 300 Test wickets and 3,000 runs.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2011.