Cricket: Hadlee backs Vettori in World XI

Daniel Vettori has been included in the final ICC World Eleven test and one day squads to battle Australia in October, ahead of big name players like Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble.

He is in good company, with stars such as Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan, Steve Harmison and Kevin Pietersen in the World Eleven.

Team selector Sir Richard Hadlee says Vettori's call up can not be questioned and there is a chance he will bowl in tandem with the controversial, but brilliant, Muralitharan.

Sir Richard says having Vettori and Muralitharan at alternate ends will be quite a sight to see.

He says as far as selection is concerned, they have taken into account each player's world ratings, career records, form against Australia, and, more importantly, form in Australia.

Black Caps keeper Brendon McCullum has been overlooked for South African Mark Boucher in the test team and Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara in the one dayers.

South African Graeme Smith is the test captain, while compatriot Shaun Pollock leads the one day side.

- NEWSTALK ZB