Having claimed the captaincy from a disgruntled Stephen Fleming, Vettori’s brave leadership has won admiration among those who believe skippers should lead through their deeds rather than their words.
Unfortunately speedster Shane Bond’s match-winning bowling in his long awaited Dunedin test return against Pakistan lasted just one match before his ageing body betrayed him once more.
And, sadly, gallant Iain O’Brien’s last test hurrah at Napier, where he played with a dislocated finger, further demonstrated how bare the medium fast bowling cupboard is going to be in his absence.
At 35, Chris Martin’s test days are also numbered and Daryl Tuffey is no spring chicken either.
Consequently having suffered a tough baptism of fire against some of the world’s finest batsmen, Tim Southee has to be thrown to the wolves simply because there’s no one else to fill the breech.
Having succumbed to a first innings 99 in the second test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, New Zealand’s batsmen reached their nadir.
The top order of Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Daniel Flynn and Peter Fulton slumped dismally. Yet only Fulton was axed when replaced by South African-born BJ Watling for the third test at Napier.
McIntosh vindicated his retention with a patient 74 from 187 balls at Napier in the first innings, before Vettori struck 134 from 186 and Brendon McCullum 86 from 103.
Having come to prominence as a left-arm spinner, his development as all-rounder, captain, selector and fill-in coach has been astonishing.
While he doesn’t have Fleming’s elegance as a batsman, he’s just as effective as a captain without possessing the support of such experienced game breakers as Chris Cairns and Nathan Astle.
Sadly there appeared a touch of petulance about Fleming after he had become New Zealand’s most successful captain, and one sensed his support within the team was waning before the selectors gave the job to Vettori.
Just how successful he’ll become will depend on how quickly the country can develop test bowlers to replace Bond, O’Brien and Martin.
Although the batting at Wellington was especially brittle, Taylor, Guptill, McCullum and the injured Jesse Ryder are all capable of brilliance.
Relieving McCullum of the vice-captaincy to concentrate on his batting could work wonders if he adds patience to his game instead of performing like a bull to a red rag.
He’s far too important to the cause to throw his wicket away carelessly.
Having graduated to No 6 with less natural talent, Vettori remains an example of what can be achieved by those determined to develop his determination and fortitude.
