Cricket: Tough lessons to be learned but Vettori plays up positives

Daniel Vettori says despite their struggles New Zealand have taken plenty from their recent contest. Photo / Getty Images.

The bowlers getting familiar with pitch conditions and getting lengthy spells under their belts are the positives to come out of an unimpressive effort in the three-day tour match against the West Indies Cricket Board president's XI, says former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori.

The WICB XI closed day two of the tour match on 299-7 in reply to New Zealand's poor first innings of total 149.

Vettori was New Zealand's best bowler as the veteran left-arm spinner claimed 4-48 from 20 overs and said the game had provided the side with a few tough lessons.

"I think we were pretty lucky to play close to the wicket that we are going to play on in the test match," Vettori said.

"If we can't learn stuff from this game then we never will. So I think, whilst we are disappointed with the position we are in, there's been some really good things. Particularly the bowling of Neil Wagner, and I think we are learning a lot as we go along."

Vettori, who hasn't played limited overs cricket for New Zealand in recent times, said it was great to get through a lengthy spell at the crease having not played since the IPL finished in May.

"Once again for me it's just getting some overs under my belt after a considerably long layoff and to be able to bowl 20 overs on a wicket that's similar to the test match wicket is hopefully going to hold me in pretty good stead."

Seamer Chris Martin will have also relished the opportunity to stretch the legs as he got through 17 wicketless overs. His last game was in March.

The South African-born Wagner, who could make his test debut this week, steamed in and got through 20 overs as he picked up 2-50 and Vettori said he offered a new dimension to the Kiwi attack.

"He was awesome. He brings a lot of energy. He's a different style of bowler than probably most New Zealanders are used to. He runs in hard all day and wants to compete the whole time and I think he's a welcome addition to our side."

Wagner's effort has likely booked himself a spot as one of the pace bowlers in the first test, while leg-spinner Tarun Nethula struggled.

The first test starts on Thursday.