Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori Saturday announced his decision to take an indefinite break from limited-overs cricket to prolong his Test career.
The 32-year old, the world’s top ranked ODI bowler, is keen to add to his 105 Tests.
“My reason for taking a break from the shorter forms of the game is primarily so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent the Black Caps in Test cricket,” Vettori said.
“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 Black Caps World Cup team for 2015.”
Vettori made his Test debut in 1997 and took over as captain from Stephen Fleming in 2007. He stepped down from the post after the 2011 World Cup and Ross Taylor was announced as his successor.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he respected Vettori’s decision.
“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 the Black Caps,” Vaughan said.
“The fact that he has signalled 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.”
“I look forward to seeing him turn out in the whites for the Black Caps, as I’m sure are many cricket fans around the country.”
Vettori will continue to play first-class cricket for the Northern Knights and will also honour his commitment to play for the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the IPL.
Vettori has played 272 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and 28 Twenty20 Internationals for the Black Caps. He has taken 282 ODI wickets at an average of 31.48 and 35 Twenty20 International wickets at an average of 16.57.
