Cricket: Extraordinary week for Vettori

Daniel Vettori, right, and Brendon McCullum during the third test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Sharjah. Photo / Getty Images

'Seamless transition' might not be the best terminology given the topic involves spin bowling, but the move to find a test successor to Daniel Vettori took a positive tweak today.

It follows Mark Craig's man-of-the-match performance in New Zealand's innings and 80-run victory over Pakistan in the third test.

Vettori's had an extraordinary week as he gradually ushers himself out of the game.

He was plucked from the New Zealand 'A' tour to join the country's first three-prong test spin attack in 16 years and play a record-breaking 112th test for New Zealand. He took two wickets, including the crucial first innings lbw of Younis Khan.

He said he had played what he expected to be his last test and received a special send-off at the ground from his wife, children and parents who sat in the front row of the main stand.

The 35-year-old interacted with them from the players' enclosure below. It was fitting they should see him complete his career in whites with a comprehensive victory, after his contribution in a test career spanning 17 years and 297 days.

"It was lovely that Mum and Dad, who had enjoyed my career without putting any pressure on, could have this experience with a test over here. I think it might have been a bit tough on Dad being a dry state, but he enjoyed himself otherwise," Vettori chuckled.

"Personally it was great to see my wife and kids who, while they mightn't have an understanding of what's going on, were pretty excited to come over and see Dad play. It's a while since they've seen me in whites."

Yet on the scheduled second day there was the shock and subsequent grieving over the death of Australian international Phillip Hughes after he was hit by a bouncer. It cast a pall.

"I was grateful for a last chance to experience one of the most satisfying test matches of my career because of the performances the guys put in place," Vettori said. "That won't be tinged by what happened to Phil, but he'll be the memory from this test because he was a special guy."

Vettori cited Brendon McCullum's leadership as the key to sustaining morale in the aftermath.

"We were lucky to have Brendon, [coach] Mike Hesson and [manager] Mike Sandle to lead the group because it's been incredibly difficult. A lot of us knew Phil and mourned him as one of our own.

"Brendon allowed everyone to grieve in their own way. There was no pressure on anyone to do anything. I think guys accidentally relaxed from that and played with a lot of freedom. We celebrated the achievements during the test quietly, it didn't feel right to get too excited."

One element the team must get excited about when the grieving's over was Craig's coming of age. His figures of 10 for 203 were the best in seven tests at the Sharjah ground. He took the record from Shane Warne.

Earlier, he made 65 and pushed the single to square leg which brought up 681 for eight, New Zealand's highest test score on their way to 690.

"It is and probably always will be bittersweet," Craig said. "I think in time we'll be able to reflect positively on what we were able to achieve."

He had Vettori's endorsement.

"To come into these conditions against Pakistani batsmen, who are generally phenomenal against off-spin, and dominate to help us win the game is fantastic."

Craig acknowledged after six tests, including the 10-wicket bag and batting average of 42.71, he might have a future in the sport's premier format.

"I was a bolter [to the West Indies] and this tour was always going to be hard but the feeling of belonging has settled in. It's awesome. I wake up, put the kettle on each morning and have a wee smile. It's good fun. I love playing for my country and don't want to let anyone down back home."

ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES