KEY POINTS:
When Monty Panesar next approaches Daniel Vettori for a chat about the world of spin, the New Zealand captain might be tempted to whip out an egg timer.
Vettori yesterday recalled Panesar picking his brains as one world class left arm spinner to another just learning the art during New Zealand's 2004 tour of England.
The game against British Universities was virtually washed out, leaving plenty of down time to fill.
"He doesn't let you off the hook. I talked to him for a good couple of hours and I enjoy talking about it, but two hours was maybe a little bit long," Vettori quipped.
Vettori and Panesar are the game's pre-eminent left arm spinners. Vettori is 29, Panesar 25. Vettori has 238 test wickets at 34.22; Panesar 81 at 32.76.
In Vettori's book there's not much reason to squirrel away the tricks among what he called the spinning brotherhood.
"I haven't got many secrets, not too much to hide," he said. "Personally I sit back and enjoy watching other spinners round the world and Panesar is no different. He's done a great job for England since he's been in the team."
And with New Zealand looking hard at playing a second specialist spinner when the first test starts in Hamilton today, that means a flipside for New Zealand's batsmen: the likelihood of seeing plenty of Panesar.
"If we're looking to go in with two spinners that means Monty is going to play a key part," Vettori added.
Vettori has long been a class act, is the world's leading ODI bowler - on the ratings at least - and took the most ODI wickets in 2007. But he needs runs from his batsmen to be able to attack.
Panesar had a flying start to his career but his form in Sri Lanka before Christmas was ordinary.
He needs to regain his edge and the zip in his bowling.
Three tests lie ahead and hold the promise of an intriguing battle within the contest, one which should be a key to the whole outcome.
