Vettori hopes to repeat CT success in UAE

Despite some of its key players down with injuries, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was not worried about his side's prospect in the limited overs series against Pakistan and hoped to repeat their Champions Trophy success. The Black Caps yesterday had a training session at the Dubai Sports Stadium here ahead of the three-match one-day series and two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan from November 3. Vettori though was disappointed not having their top team due to injuries, but wasn't worried about his side's performance.

''It is disappointing because you would always want to bring your top team for a series,'' the Kiwi skipper said.

''But despite injuries we did well in the Champions Trophy and hope we can do the same. This also gives a chance to some of the players to prove themselves,'' remarked Vettori.

Opener Jesse Ryder, fast bolwer Daryl Tuffey, all-rounder Brendon Diamanti and batsman Grant Elliott were not considered even for the selection of the series as they are recovering from injuries sustained during the ICC Champions Trophy tournament.

Fast bowler Ian Butler, who suffered a knee pain during the Otago Volts' final match at the Champions League, is still recovering, and all-rounder Jacob Oram is progressing well after his hamstring injury. Though he is expected to play in the series here but will have to undergo a fitness assessment for his confirmation.

The team is also without a coach as Andy Moles quit his job just before the tour last week, amid reports that senior New Zealand players have raised concerns about his abilities.

Vettori, who has been donning the role of captain-coach for the series, said sometimes there's been lot of pressure while trying to do both the roles but its about a balancing act.

''It's difficult trying to do everything. It's a balancing act. You want your senior players to be strong and able to look after themselves. As long as guys are in form then I think you can make it work,'' the left-arm spinner was quoted as saying by 'The Dawn'.

However, New Zealand have a psychological advantage of having beaten Pakistan in the Champions Trophy semifinal match. ''It was tough tour of Sri Lanka, so to come into the Champions Trophy, lose first game and then play pretty well has given us lot of confidence. But they (Pakistan) are a good side and if we have to win we have to play hard,'' he stressed.

Further comparing the pace attack of Pakistan with his team's, Vettori said, ''Our pace attack in South Africa was pretty good with Shane Bond and Kyle Mills doing a fantastic job.

''Pakistan too have some good bowlers in Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamir. They are quality bowlers and particularly Aamir is really impressive. He is a real good prospect for Pakistan,'' the 30-year-old felt.

-- (UNI) -- 31SPD9.xml

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