New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is thrilled at the prospect of veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori’s return to Test cricket against Pakistan in Sharjah today.
The former skippers’ international career of late has been hampered by numerous injuries and has not featured for New Zealand since July 2012.
“We are really excited about his return,” McCullum said yesterday. “He is the most capped player with Stephen Fleming and it is a tremendous achievement which we are all proud of.”
Coach Mike Hesson added: “From the first two Tests it’s been pretty clear how important spin is in these conditions and we expect the pitch in Sharjah to be the slowest of all three wickets.”
“The possibility of having three bowlers who can exploit those conditions is an exciting option for us to have.”
McCullum also confirmed that Vettori, who has 360 test wickets to his name, will also be part of the one-day series which follows the Test.
“It is a one-off Test situation for him as he was over here preparing for the one-dayers. We think using three spinners and Dan being the third one, the workload might not be overly excessive.
“With the World Cup around we don’t want to break him in a one-off Test match situation and we think we can certainly manage,” said McCullum.
This will be the sixth time New Zealand enter a Test with three spinners in the last 30 years, losing five of those Tests and drawing one.
However, McCullum reiterated that a lot of considerations had been taken when choosing to select three spinners.
“We spoken to Dan earlier in the tour (about playing in the Test series) as the wickets over here are so suited to spin bowling.
“So considering the fact it has been very hard on the bowlers, we looked at perhaps the balance of the team and we decided that a spinning all-rounder will also be handy at No6 position.
“After seeing how fit and strong he is, which is another important point because his fitness is at a level where he feels comfortable he can operate in this Test match. And obviously the enthusiasm which he brings to the group and experience as well is great.”
McCullum added: “Dan is an optimist as well and he is excited about the opportunity and I am sure he will be a bit nervous as it is couple of years since he donned the black cap but he is a wonderful player.
“Even if it’s maybe his last one it will be great fun to play and go out on his terms rather than slide out of a wonderful Test career,” he added.
