Cricket: Vettori set to break NZ test record

Daniel Vettori has been officially selected in New Zealand's XI to play Pakistan in the third cricket test starting tonight. Photo / Getty Images.

Daniel Vettori has been officially selected in New Zealand's XI to play Pakistan in the third cricket test starting tonight in what will be a record 112th cap for his country.

The achievement needs some context. When the 35-year-old debuted against England on Waitangi Day 1997, Jim Bolger was Prime Minister, No Doubt's Don't Speak topped the charts and OJ Simpson had just been found liable in a civil court action for the deaths of his wife Nicole and Ronald Goldman.

Now, 17 years and 295 days later Vettori's set to take sole ownership of the 'most tests' mantle from Stephen Fleming.

Sentimentality aside, he'll need to bring all his talents to bear on what looks a flat wicket which will assist batsmen early.

When you've seen the glazed pottery surface, you can understand the tourists' desire to try something, anything, that might legitimately help their cause.

Vettori's selection brings a welcome injection of intrigue with the series 1-0 in Pakistan's favour.

New Zealand played to their capabilities after winning the toss in Dubai but this might be the fillip to go a step further.

Vettori's not renowned for turning the ball square but pressure, and his arm ball, could still shift wickets.

Captain Brendon McCullum admits he has been a proponent of the move.

"Dan's read of the game and ability to perform strongly in these conditions is something we hope he transfers to this match. Myself, Mike [coach Hesson] and Dan had discussions and we've decided to look at what could go right rather than what could go wrong.

"It'll be great for him to go out on his terms rather than slide out the side door. Seeing how fit and strong he is, I started a conversation earlier in the tour. He's at a level where I'm comfortable he can operate.

"The wickets are so suited to his style and we've got two spinners [Mark Craig and Ish Sodhi] who are works-in-progress. A spin all-rounder will be handy in that position [No.6]."

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq held respect but little fear about Vettori's return.
"He is an experienced campaigner but we have played him before so we know how he bowls. I think as a batsman he gives them an advantage. We have to concentrate on that and bowl in the right areas to keep him in check."

Vettori replaces Jimmy Neesham in the starting XI.

Like in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, McCullum left little doubt as to what he will do if he wins the toss. It followed a tongue-in-cheek query about whether he'd be kind enough to ask Pakistan to bat.

"There's bravery and then there's stupidity," McCullum chuckled. "I'm sure both teams would be happy to bat if they won the toss."

Misbah-ul-Haq concurred.

"The pitch looks like hard work for the bowlers."

Pakistani opener Mohammed Hafeez is being considered for a return after his hamstring niggle. Pace bowler Ehsan Adil has a side strain and will be assessed again before the start.

ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES