Despite limited preparation – thanks to three days of rain in Wellington – BLACKCAPS Captain Daniel Vettori is confident his side is up for the challenge of taking on Pakistan in the second Test.
Coming off a thrilling win in the first match, Vettori says the team is in positive mood.
“The guys are feeling good about themselves,” he says. “There’s a real desire in the team to celebrate that win – but also make sure that’s not the end of the summer.
“It was a good test performance and we’re happy with it, but there’s a series that still needs to be won.”
Being forced indoors for training has been difficult, says Vettori. “Guys want to get out there and get their preparation in order.
“But it’s just another challenge. The guys have to be ready, have to have prepared better than Pakistan – as limited as it has been.”
The other big blos in the build up to the Wellington Test has been Shane Bond’s withdrawal through injury. However Vettori maintains there’s still depth in the bowling attack to call on.
“However this series goes, we’re indebted to Shane for his performance in the first test. His performance in the first test was outstanding, so to lose him is a big blow.
“But it gives someone else a chance on a wicket that may offer a seamer a little bit of assistance.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve looked at Chris Martin as my strike bowler and I’ve always thrown the ball to him. I think I’ll continue to do that.
“The luxury I had in the last test was that I had two strike bowlers in Shane and Chris, and Ian [O’Brien] and myself could try to clog up an end while those two attacked.
“Depending on the conditions I think Daryl can come in and do that – he’s come in with the new ball and been able to take wickets – so hopefully we can continue with that.”
And while the Northern Districts-based Vettori still calls Hamilton’s Seddon Park his home ground, he enjoys playing at Allied Nationwide Finance Basin Reserve and is delighted to be here for its 50th Test.
“It’s one of my favourite grounds,” he enthuses. “I love coming here, I love the Wellington test. It does have a lot of history, and it’s purely a cricket ground as well. You come here and you know it’s all about cricket.
“All the guys love coming here, and we’ve had some pretty good results – and some good test matches.”
