Cricket: Vettori makes big difference in six balls

Daniel Vettori. Photo / Richard Robinson

It took Dan Vettori two days of first-class cricket to make an impact in the Plunket Shield.

The former New Zealand captain, over a lengthy, frustrating Achilles injury, took his first steps back towards regaining a national spot by helping Northern Districts take the initiative after two days of their first-round match against Auckland at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Vettori hit a brisk run-a-ball 36 in ND's 315, then yesterday took five for 39 off 22 overs to reduce the visitors to 277 for nine. Auckland were 256 for six, before Vettori snared three wickets in six deliveries.

Former test opener Tim McIntosh was among three Auckland batsmen to reach half-centuries yesterday. The tall lefthander made 65, Craig Cachopa got 69 and aggressive allrounder Colin de Grandhomme hit 50.

Vettori, 34, last played for New Zealand during the Champions Trophy in England mid-year.

New Zealand's second highest test wicket taker behind Richard Hadlee, played his most recent test in the West Indies 15 months ago.

Yesterday's performance was just a start. The 34-year-old allrounder has plenty more overs to get up to speed, but it was an encouraging beginning.

Last night's HRV Cup T20 match between Canterbury and Central Districts in Christchurch was called off without a ball bowled because of rain.