Vettori urges mates to deliver ‘more of the same’ against India at Hyderabad

AHMEDABAD - New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has urged his players to deliver “more of the same” in the wake of a highly encouraging performance in the first test played against India here, which ended in a draw.

The New Zealanders leave today for Hyderabad where the second test starts on Friday.

Vettori is eager that the tourists maintain their standards, standards good enough to fully stretch the world’s No 1-ranked test nation where they had the better of three of the five days before falling short of their ultimate goal due to a lack of manpower and a lifeless pitch.

“The key for us is to take some of that same performance to Hyderabad,” stuff.co.nz quoted Vettori, as saying.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Hamish Bennett will join them on today’s flight but will then head home to receive treatment on a groin strain which severely limited his involvement in his maiden test.

The selectors have called up Wellington all-rounder James Franklin as his replacement, leaving him, Tim Southee, Brent Arnel and Andy McKay to fight it out for the vacant seamer’s spot. (ANI)