Vettori takes a break from ODI Cricket
The former New Zealand skipper, Daniel Vettori has announced that he will be taking a break from the shorter version of the game in order to prolong his career in Test Cricket. However, Vettori has confirmed that the break from the shorter version of the game is for the time being so as to keep himself fit for the 5-day format game.
Vettori said “My reason for taking a break from the shorter forms (ODI’s and T20) of the game is primarily so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent the New Zealand in Test cricket.”
Although, Vettori has announced an indefinite break from the ODI’s and T20 cricket, he intends to return back hopefully. Vettori stated “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 World Cup team for 2015.”
Vettori has been struggling with his knee injury for quite a long time now and has missed several international and domestic matches recently. He first suffered with his knee injury in the league tie against Pakistan in the World Cup which kept him out of the all the league matches. He also struggled with his form during the IPL following his knee injury. The skipper insists that his decision to take a break is a part to manage his injury. Vettori further stated “Part of the break is around injuries, and trying to stay a little bit fresher and I’ll reassess the situation at the end of the contract year and go again from there.”
The Kiwis have a busy schedule this summer, playing Test cricket with Zimbabwe, Australia and South Africa and Vettori hopes to be fully-fit to take up the tough challenge ahead of the Kiwis this summer.
Vettori said “I want to play Tests as long as I can. “That’s the part of the game I’ve always loved. I want to be fully fit and prepared and ready to go for those, and sometimes a lack of preparation can hinder your test performance.”
“So hopefully there’s a nice buildup to each of those series and I can hit the ground running.”
However, Vettori will continue to play domestic cricket for the Northern Districts and will also feature for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next edition of the IPL. He might also feature in the domestic T-20 tournament for the Northern Districts.
Also, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan has stated that he respects Vettori’s decision of taking a break and was delighted to hear that the former skipper will reconsider returning to the shorter version of the game.
Justin Vaughan added “Dan has been a great servant for a long time now and I believe this decision is not only in his best interest but also for New Zealand.”
“The fact that he has signaled a desire to play ODIs and Twenty20s in the future and possibly make a return when we co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is great. Although he’s taking a break from 50-over cricket, I look forward to seeing him turn out in the whites for New Zealand, as I’m sure are many cricket fans around the country.”
Tags: Cricket, Daniel Vettori, New Zealand, New Zealand Cricket, NZC, ODI Cricket, Skipper
