Daniel Vettori

Guwahati: The Kiwis skipper Daniel Vettori believes that that their preparation for the upcoming World Cup 2011 early next year, will start with the 5 ODI series against India. Having performed considerably well in the recently concluded Test series against India, Vettori, at a media conference on the eve of the first ODI, said that the Kiwis would also look to rectify the mistakes that they made in the humiliating series loss against the Bangladeshis. Following are the excerpts from yesterday’s media conference.

“The series is important in terms of our preparation for the World Cup. We know we had a very embarrassing and a disappointing series in Bangladesh. We will try to rectify them…We have made some changes and some experienced players have come back into the team. So we will see how it goes,” Vettori stated.

“The build up to the big tournament (ICC Cricket World Cup 2011) is simply about playing every game as it comes… Both teams’ wants to win definitely… Both the teams wants to get their confidence going before the Cup. So, it starts here tomorrow” he added.

When asked about the new ODI Indian side, Vettori said: “Most of them played in the IPL…We know most of them pretty well. They are all good players and they must be in good form so as to earn the faith of the selectors. We know how dangerous they can be and can take us by surprise. We are not going to underestimate any of the youngsters in the team.”

Speaking on the injured Jesse Ryder, who had an impressive run of form in the Test matches, the skipper said “Ryder will definitely come into the picture for the big thing (World Cup) with what he has done…But he has an injury and so, this is a chance to have a look at others”

He also informed that a final call on the injured McCullum’s availability will be taken on Sunday morning. “We will take a call on him tomorrow. He has got back spasms which are occurring occasionally. But that is something which is being looked after,” he said.

Asked about Jamie How’s comeback, Vettori said: “Anyone coming back into the side means that he is in good form at the domestic level. He is a good player. We hope he does well.”

According to Vettori, the toss will not play a crucial role in Sunday’s game.  “The last 2 times the side which won the toss have batted first and went on to lose the game. So it should not affect the game.” On the wicket, Daniel said: “It has been pretty slow here. With such an early start, probably it will go slower as the game progresses.

Tags: Cricket, Daniel Vettori, ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, India, New Zealand, ODI Series