Vettori ducks under coach Moles controversy bouncer

AUCKLAND - Playing down the controversy over Coach Andy Moles’s role in the New Zealand cricket team, skipper Daniel Vettori has said the there is no point raising questions over the coach before a crucial series.

When asked if he would be happy for Moles to continue, Vettori said: “I think we have to be. There’s no point me making statements to the contrary. I think we have to prepare to take a team away and get the best out of them.”

“Andy and I have a good working relationship, but whether that’s enough to make the team better is the question that’s been asked. Our relationship stands strong in what we need to do. Andy and I are at the helm and until we know anything different that’s the status quo,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as saying.

The controversy was sparked after reports claimed that the Kiwi players were dismissive of the 48-year-old’s abilities during the tour of Sri Lanka and South Africa.

However, Vettori said that the statements made by players were taken out of context, which fired the rumours.

“Whenever players are asked honest questions about anything they give their answers. I think guys have voiced ways of making the team better. Part of that is my captaincy, part of it is players fronting up and a part of it is Andy improving as well. We just want the best for the team,” he said.

Vettori further admitted that the team has been facing difficult days over the past few months.

“It’s been a tough day for a number of people involved and hopefully everyone can deal with it in the best possible manner. I think Andy understands this is part of cricketing life,” Vettori said. Guys are always looking for ways to improve and you constantly go through a review process,” he added.

Moles was appointed as New Zealand coach after John Bracewell stepped down in November last year and his runs through to the 2011 World Cup. (ANI)