Daniel Vettori has spent a lot of time and energy on trying to get to the World Cup but he's now emphasising the need to put Cup discussions aside and focus on performing strongly against Sri Lanka and Pakistan first.
Do well in those series - they play seven ODIagainst Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan - and New Zealand should arrive at their opening World Cup game against Sri Lanka on February 14 ideally primed.
"The focus is around the build-up to the Cup but they are still one-day internationals and still really important games," Vettori said yesterday. "The standard has been set for some time. I know the World Cup is a big talking point for everyone, but it's about this game [today]."
Momentum has been built by the test squad, and the 3-2 ODI series win over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last month didn't hurt either, but it's first things first in the former captain's eyes.
"Everyone is starting to slowly talk about the New Zealand team and, if we can have a winning and dominant series, that will only bode well. Rather than stumbling into the World Cup like we probably have in the past, we go in with all bases covered and everyone firing."
Vettori, who has been dogged by injury in the latter stages of his international career, reckons he's in good shape.
"I am where I want to be in terms of fitness but I know that's a slippery slope ... . I've just got to make sure I can maintain it through a season."
He admits at the worst stages of his Achilles tendon injury he found it demoralising and lost some desire to return. Now, at 35, with captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson having put their faith in him, he's excited about what lies ahead.
He's unsure how much game time he and offspinner Nathan McCullum will get together against Sri Lanka, but all 15 members of the World Cup squad are likely to play at various times leading up to the tournament.
"Both of us would love to play every game," he said. "But we offer different options and, depending on the opposition, can both bring something to the table."
