Daniel Vettori all set to lead New Zealand against South Africa – ICC World Cup 2011 news
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is all set to return to his team in the quarterfinal of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2011 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757.
The veteran all-rounder sustained an injury during a match against Pakistan and has not been able to lead his team in the last two group games against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canada-c748 and Sri Lanka.
Vettori said, “Skill-wise I should be all right to get through the batting and bowling, it is just the running around that is hampering me a little bit. But I still have a few days left and I am confident of being available for that.”
The veteran player further added, “I have to be a bit brave on it, and realise I am not going to do any more damage. I just have to deal with a little bit of the pain. The more I can do on it the more comfortable I will feel.”
Although Vettori was confident to represent his team in the all-important game against the Proteas, he admitted that bowling under pressure will be a lot more demanding compared to the nets.
The left-arm spinner was unable to bowl even a single delivery in his team’s match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. However, New Zealand won that match convincingly by 110 runs and Vettori’s absence in the field did not affect the Kiwis on that day.
However, the Black Caps suffered another blow in their next game against Canada as they lost their leading bowler Kyle Mills due to an injury. His replacement Hamish Bennett also sustained a calf injury during the match against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758.
All these injury problems made things difficult for the Kiwi team and they called veteran medium pacer Daryl Tuffey in the squad as a back up option. However, the team will be expecting http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mills-c76321, who has started practicing to be fit in time for the quarterfinal
match.
After Pakistan’s win against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 were pushed down to number four in Group A. This means that they will play against the mighty South Africans, who are at the top of their group.
The common thing about both teams is that they have not won any World Cup titles so far. However, considering the current form of the teams, South Africa are one of the favourites to win the mega event whereas New Zealand’s chances are pretty slim.
Even if Vettori and Mills get fit in time, the Proteas will have a clear advantage over their quarterfinal opponents, as they have a very well balanced unit. They have a strong batting line-up, which is backed by some exceptional bowlers. The team also has
some utility all-rounders, who provide flexibility to their side.
However, anything can happen in cricket and if some of the key New Zealand players like Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 and Jacob Oram rise to the occasion, it will be an exciting game of cricket.
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