BLACKCAPS cricket captain Daniel Vettori had two previous test hundreds against Pakistan but it was a score of 99 in Dunedin last summer that Younis Khan took pleasure in reminding him of as the allrounder neared his sixth test century on the second day of the second test at the Basin Reserve here today.
The gentle memory-jogger from the Pakistan batsman was in good nature and Vettori was certainly able to view it that way after he had reached three figures, the skipper going on to score 110 in New Zealand's first innings of 356.
It was the first time he had passed 50 in 10 innings -- he averaged just 14.56 from his nine previous knocks at test level -- and he completely snapped out of a lean patch by soldiering on to a fourth test century in the past two years with a typically Vettori innings.
He was strong off the back foot, particularly backward of point, and he pushed down the ground nicely in a brilliant, chanceless rearguard action after the top order had let him down.
"I put pressure on myself every game, I want to score runs and take wickets and it doesn't matter what's happened previously," he said when asked if he had felt under extra pressure given the recent run drought.
"I was pretty satisfied (today). I never have a lot of emotions going through me (but) it was great to have the family here."
Vettori's wife and two children looked on as he and wicketkeeper Reece Young, who scored 57 in an impressive third test innings, put on 138 for the seventh wicket to keep the hosts afloat.
"Reece and I have known each other for a long time, we played age groups against each other, so I think we had a good understanding," Vettori said.
"The big thing for me was trying to get Reece through it all, it's quite nerve-wracking being in your second test and being under a little bit of pressure but I think he played really well.
"He looked good and didn't really look nervous, and I think that showed in the way they bowled to him. He played some shots and I think that's important for a guy who bats at No 7."
Despite his exploits with the bat, bowling New Zealand to a series-levelling victory was a more attractive proposition, Vettori said. Pakistan are 134 for two in reply.
"People always remember test match hundreds so the more I get hopefully the more I go up in the echelons in New Zealand cricket ... but bowling is my job and batting is the icing on the cake.
"Because it's a long hard toil getting the wickets, I think that'll be the one I'll remember if I take a bag in this game."
NZPA
