All or nothing: Daniel Vettori wants a full-strength team for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, says he doesn't want to lead a less than full-strength team for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and has asked New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to take a decision on the team's visit to the country.
Vettori said he and other senior players had concerns over their safety, but felt the decision shouldn't be left to individuals. "I think that's the important bit. It's all well and good me saying no, that I'm not going after playing for a long time but it'd be unfair to put a Daniel Flynn or a Tim Southee in that position," Vettori said. "For me personally, I want to make sure that it's a collective decision and not put in front of young guys, because the young guys probably don't have the same options as the more experienced players."
The ICC task force is currently in Pakistan to assess the security situation, and their report will determine whether the tournament goes ahead as scheduled. Players' associations have already expressed their doubts, and Tim May, the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations chief executive, is part of the delegation visiting Pakistan.
Vettori backed Justin Vaughan, NZC chief executive, and Heath Mills, the New Zealand Players' Association chief, to make the right decision. "I know that they'll put players safety concerns first before they make a decision about turning up to the tournament."
New Zealand are slated to tour Pakistan for a three-ODI series later this month, but Mills had said it's unlikely it would take place. NZC, though, haven't taken a decision yet.
Vettori also gave the thumbs up to Greg Shipperd as New Zealand coach. Shipperd, a coach with Victoria, was considering applying for the post, to be vacated by John Bracewell next year, and had coached Vettori's IPL team, the Delhi Daredevils. "I was only there for a short period of time but I really enjoyed his coaching style," Vettori said. "He's a guy who had a good knowledge of the game - obviously it was only Twenty20 but he's been successful with Victoria and he had success with Delhi.
"He's got a pretty simplistic style but it was one that I enjoyed while I was there ... he'll be one of the guys that New Zealand Cricket will have a good look at."
Vettori said he was in discussions with Vaughan and said he would be informed about the final choice. However, he suggested John Wright, the former India coach, was unlikely to apply. New Zealand Cricket have stated Wright was the favourite for the post.
"I'm pretty sure he hasn't [applied] but things can change with Wrighty so we'll wait and see," he said."I really don't know - I haven't spoken to John for a while. I think people know his credentials and what a fantastic coach he was with India, but he's taken on a new role with NZC and maybe that's where he wants to stay."
Posts
