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Daniel Luca Vettori

Daniel Vettori Photo © Paul McGregor 1999

Daniel Luca Vettori was thrust suddenly into the largest cricketing stage in the world - test cricket. After a brief stint playing first class cricket in New Zealand, at the age of 18 years and 10 days Vettori became the youngest player to play test cricket for New Zealand. Vettori immediately vindicated the selectors' faith in him by spinning the Kiwis to victory against Sri Lanka and earning himself the man of the match award.

As a bowler, Vettori is a copybook left arm orthodox spinner. With a smooth short run-up to the crease, Vettori is perfectly poised as he reaches his delivery stride. At a very young age, Vettori has developed a tightly controlled loop. He uses varying flight and dip to great advantage, often drawing the batsman out of the crease, leaving him stranded in mid-stride. Since he bowls with a classical action and gives the ball a lot of time in the air, Vettori can afford to give the ball a big rip. With a flick of his wrist and fingers Vettori has the ability to turn the ball a long way. As a left-arm off-spinner, Vettori has the added advantage of turning the ball away from right handed batsmen.

Off late, Vettori has matured into a fine batsman as well. When at the batting crease, Vettori displays maturity far beyond his years. Knowing his limitations very well, Vettori has a very tight defensive technique. Vettori is a patient batsman and is happy to wait for the loose ball. When the loose ball does come his way, Vettori has enough strokes in his armoury to put the ball away for a boundary.

With age on his side, tremendous natural flair with the ball, and dedication with the bat, Vettori is destined to be one of New Zealand's heroes in the future.