Much ground to cover before the World Cup: Vettori
By IANSFriday, December 10, 2010
CHENNAI - Admitting that New Zealand were outplayed by a more balanced and consistent Indian team, visiting New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said his side will have plenty of thinking to do and work much harder if they hope to make an impression in the 2011 World Cup.
Saying that his team was not consistent enough and that as a captain he needed to be far more assertive to ensure strong performances from his players, Vettori felt that the forthcoming home series against Pakistan would be an opportunity for his team to get back on track.
Speaking at the post-match media briefing after New Zealands eight-wicket defeat and the 0-5 series whitewash, Vettori said: “We need to perform against Pakistan to regain our confidence ahead of the World Cup. Some of the players will have to get back to domestic season.”
“We will try to get back our rhythm. I need to be assertive with the boys to step up and do well in putting their hands up.”
“India scored over us because it struck a balance in every department of the game in the Tests as well as the ODI series,” Vettori admitted.
“We can address the issue, but addressing the issue is not part of the solution. We have to apply our mind to it too. We were not consistent in the series. One day we batted and bowled well, but on other days, we did not show consistency. In One-day matches, you have to show particular type of abilities like what India showed,” the visiting skipper said.
“We need to keep trying to our abilities. The reasons have been given, but we need to look into areas where we can show improvement. We do not give up our efforts. Hopefully, as part of the solution we are facing Pakistan back home and we need to play well and regain the confidence ahead of the World Cup.”
Vettori singled out James Franklin as the biggest positive from the tour. “I think James Franklin has been in and out of the team but he had performed well on this tour. There are about three guys looking to be making the World Cup team, but James has proved himself well to be the squad.”
