Cricket: Vettori putting on a brave face

By RICHARD BOOCK at the World Cup

Daniel Vettori believes New Zealand could benefit from being backed into a corner before the start of their World Cup campaign.

No other title contender faces the difficulties of New Zealand, who will effectively start the competition on minus four points, after the decision against playing Kenya in Nairobi.

While the other three group B threats - Sri Lanka, the West Indies and South Africa - need to win just one of their major contests for a probable Super Six berth, the New Zealanders have to win at least two, meaning a flying start is essential.

Vettori, yet to play a World Cup game after sitting on the sideline during the seamer-dominated 1999 tournament, acknowledged that New Zealand's campaign had become more difficult after the decision over Nairobi, but wondered whether that might bring the best out of the players.

"It could be beneficial in that we know we can't relax or anything like that. We know that we have to win these games, and that if we don't win them we're basically stuffed; there's no way back.

"So everyone's aware that it's all or nothing from the word go.

"The first three games are critical, and, if you take into account South Africa's form at the Wanderers, the first two are even more so."

New Zealand's star spin bowler turned in a tidy effort against Easterns at Benoni on Tuesday and was anxious to gain selection in the team to play Sri Lanka on Monday at Bloemfontein, a likely scenario considering his experience and ability on slowing pitches.

In fact, after a month or so in which it seemed Vettori and Chris Harris might be surplus to requirements, both are now in line for New Zealand's tournament opener, and the pressure has instead fallen on others.

The pair have bowled impressively in tandem over the past six years, exploiting slow pitches and working together to build up pressure on opposition batsmen.

Vettori said it might be that the pacemen were looking forward to playing in South Africa, but pointed out that most sides had a capable spin option, and were well-prepared to capitalise on any assistance in the wicket.

"The pace bowlers will probably cause some early damage, but I think the spinners will have a big role to play at the end, especially if they have a chance to bowl at the opposition's middle-order.

"That's the key for us really. If the top has already been knocked over, then the middle-order guys can't afford to take as many risks while trying to repair the innings, which in turn creates additional chances for the bowlers."

As for his batting, the unorthodox left-hander cracked a couple of heavy blows in the nets this week and was looking forward to plying his craft, although he wondered whether he would get many chances, considering the strength of the side's lower-order.

"I've been feeling pretty good in the nets but, with our side, I doubt I'll get many opportunities," he said "There's some pretty good batsmen down the order, and I'm just lucky that I've got Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey below me."

Meanwhile, Chris Cairns has ruled himself out of bowling in the opening matches.

"I will be available to bat, but not bowl, from the start," he said. "I contracted a rib injury, just on my comeback, four weeks ago."

Cairns missed most of the 2002 season following two knee operations before making a cautious comeback as a specialist batsman in December.

Asked when he would be fit to bowl, he added: "I probably can't give a specific date, I'm just monitoring it day by day."