Cricket: Vettori remains a valuable asset

Daniel Vettori has become the country's most-capped ODI cricketer. Photo / Getty Images

Veteran spinner may be in the twilight of a stellar career but his knowledge and skill could yet play a crucial part at World Cup

One sub-plot to the Cricket World Cup story arc is that it could double as Daniel Vettori's valedictory tour.

If Vettori has his way, no ink will be printed or data downloaded with headlines of that ilk.

However, the career of the country's finest spinner can't be ignored, especially after he last week became New Zealand's most-capped ODI player, to match the equivalent test honour in November.

To make life interesting, Vettori has only a slight edge over teammate Nathan McCullum for what is likely to be one spin role in any New Zealand XI.

Compounding that, Sri Lankan batsmen Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara led the way in attacking his bowling on Thursday, taking 52 runs from eight overs.

That was the first time in 44 ODIs that Vettori had gone at more than a run a ball, stretching back to March 2009 against India.

Consider that in the modern cricketing world of shorter boundaries, meatier bats and the emergence of Twenty20 phenomenon; it's extraordinary.

It's also no coincidence that his worst average against test-playing nations in ODIs is 69.88, against Sri Lanka, New Zealand's opening World Cup opponent.

So Vettori has challenges, but, as someone who has carried the team almost single-handedly at times as captain, he must revel in the current environment as senior pro.

After turning 36 this week he can sit in the dressing room and distribute wisdom to a group with a respect for knowledge and the talent to use it.

That's a welcome intangible during a World Cup.

Anyone can prise apart statistics to create evidence for an argument but if Vettori, with 285 ODIs in his quiver, gives a player a tip to instil previously untapped confidence, the value is hard to quantify.

Paramount is that Vettori has been rejuvenated by the vision of coach Mike Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum.

He has always been loyal to the point of omerta with teammates but the trust and camaraderie generated within the current ranks is rekindling how enjoyable cricket can be.

He's fit and knows with mature players such as McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee in the ranks, he won't be overburdened by responsibility.

The World Cup is his to seize.