Daniel Vettori was denied an early Christmas present when the third cricket test with Pakistan was rained out - but the New Year could be happier, providing two key components of his side return fit and well.
A drawn test series was probably a fair result once showers closed in
on Tuesday with New Zealand on course for victory at McLean Park. But the captain could be forgiven for wondering what might have been had he had the services of Shane Bond for more than the one test - and Jesse Ryder for the duration.
Bond's comeback to test cricket in Dunedin after a two-year absence was inspirational - eight wickets and a definitive spell on the final afternoon helping New Zealand to victory.
The old Bond was back, sadly in more ways than one.
Four days later he fronted in Wellington - not to play at the Basin Reserve, but to detail his latest injury setback.
A small abdominal muscle tear did not rip the heart of an earnest bowling attack for the final two tests, but it no longer carried the same menace.
Bond's feel-good factor cannot be underestimated. New Zealand has won nine of the 18 tests he has a played - an unacceptable ratio for an All Black, yet remarkable for a Black Cap.
Once he was unavailable, New Zealand were beaten by 141 runs in Wellington and then struggled to dismiss Pakistan a second time in Napier - the tourists lasted 193.2 overs from days three to five, time enough to frustrate New Zealand before the rain.
Whether Bond plays a 19th test is unclear, but during Vettori's two-week holiday he will probably be working hard convincing the 34-year-old to at least have one last crack at Australia in March.
Ideally Ryder will be also be fit by then. The 25-year-old has a similar aura to Bond, and unfortunately shares his propensity for injury.
With a test average of 49.88 from 11 tests, Ryder was sorely missed in the middle order against Pakistan.
Once he returns, the pressure will be released slightly on Ross Taylor - who still made light of his responsibilities by making 301 runs at 60.20.
Vettori predictably nominated batting consistency as a pressing concern before the international schedule resumes in February.
Two innings of 400-plus could not remove the first innings 99-run blot in Wellington. Although Peter Fulton was the only fall guy, Ryder's reinstatement is likely to stall Daniel Flynn's test career after he managed only 62 runs at 12.40 in five innings.
Martin Guptill covered himself in glory with the ball at McLean Park, not so with the bat, but he will be persevered with.
One positive was opener BJ Watling's unbeaten 60 on debut while the jury is still out on his partner Tim McIntosh, given 74 and 23 not in Napier were needed to boost his series average from a meagre 9.25.
Inevitably Vettori did not let the side down with the bat in a relatively unfamiliar position at No 6.
He marked his promotion with 134 - his third ton of the year and fifth overall - last weekend, averaged 57.40 for the series and only trailed Taylor by 14 runs.
However, he was unsure whether he would remain outside his usual comfort zone at No 8.
Vettori batted higher than normal to accommodate an extra seam bowler, given Ryder's medium pacers were not available and Grant Elliott was struggling with a knee injury.
"I still prefer go in six batsmen and four bowlers - but a couple of those batters need to bowl," he said.
"When Ryder and Elliott are fit they can contribute with the ball.
"There is an option for me to go there (6), if it's needed I will."
Meanwhile, Vettori will continue playing through the pain barrier despite being affected by a left shoulder injury that limits his ability in the field.
Rather than rest before Bangladesh arrive for a one-off test in February, he will play for Northern Districts when the domestic Twenty20 competition starts on January 2.
"I'll be there, but a couple of weeks' break will be nice," he said.
- NZPA
Jesse Ryder averages a touch under 50 from 11 tests. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Daniel Vettori was denied an early Christmas present when the third cricket test with Pakistan was rained out - but the New Year could be happier, providing two key components of his side return fit and well.
A drawn test series was probably a fair result once showers closed in
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