BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori capped a stellar year by winning the prestigious National Bank Player of the Year at a glittering ceremony in Auckland.
Vettori also picked up Winsor Cup for first class bowling and the JR Reid Best All-Rounder Trophy to complete the hat-trick.
Looking back
There were many memorable moments throughout the year including a match winning six-wicket bag against the West Indies, a century against India and joining the elite club of 300 wickets and 3000 runs.
Reflecting on his success Vettori said, “I suppose I look back on the year it’s been pleasing. You always want to lead from the front as a captain and that’s what I’ve been able to do. “
Tribute to Fleming
Vettori paid tribute to former BLACKCAPS captain Stephen Fleming who helped turn him from a struggling tail ender to a respected all rounder and also created the blueprint for his captaincy.
“He was captain of the team when I was 18 and he took that through for ten years so he was almost my surrogate father at some stages.
“I learnt a lot from him, particularly his batting and captaincy. A lot of what I do stems from the way he led the team.”
Looking forward
Vettori is confident the team has the talent to sit among the top echelons of world cricket but acknowledges that consistency has been an issue.
“Everyone looks at the team and says that we have some really good players there, some world class players.
“The real key is finding that consistency. I don’t have the magic answer but it’s certainly something we’re searching for.”
The 2009/10 season
The international calendar has Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia visiting our shores but also allows the BLACKCAPS to play in the domestic HRV Twenty20 Cup.
“About a month and a half of domestic cricket which is a bit of a novelty for a lot of players.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been out on the domesitc circuit and we’re really looking forward to it. We don’t get many opportunities to do that and go around the country.
“The series that everyone’s looking forward to is the Australian series and trying to beat them."
