By David Di Somma
He's been an automatic selection in the Blackcaps since his debut in 1997, but now Daniel Vettori is opting out of all international cricket, except tests.
He hopes it will prolong his test career but he hasn't ruled out a comeback in the one day game for the next World Cup.
It has been a bittersweet week for Ross Taylor – he got the Black Caps captaincy only to lose firstly Scott Styris who has retired from all international cricket as well and now his best player will only play test cricket.
“Scott and I would have made this decision no matter who was captain,” says Vettori. “Scott made it [his decision] after the World Cup.”
In recent times the 32-year-old has a string of injuries and hasn't been the force he once was. But he has still been the team's highest achiever with his left arm spin, unorthodox batting and astute captaincy.
How ironic he's leaving the one day game as the world's top ranked bowler.
“It's good to go out on top isn't it?” says Vetttori. “But this will make sure I get through to the next World Cup and this is the best way to do it.”
So after 272 one dayer’s and 28 20/20 internationals, what cricket will he play?
As well as tests he'll turn out for Northern Districts in domestic cricket, and of course, he was never going to opt out of the Indian Premier League as it’s worth hundreds of thousands a year.
“It's a lot of money for a short competition so there's a bit of that but I enjoy playing there, but test cricket is my primary focus.”
He cites the example of pace bowler Chris Martin who has still playing test cricket at 36.
And that's the age Vettori will be if he makes it through to the next World Cup which is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 2015.
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