Black Caps Black Book ... /Diary - November 26
Well, kia ora Danny V. Welcome back in to the fold, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm not gripping with anticipation, but I'm not against it - only a silly bugger would be against watching Dan Vettori play cricket.
There's a possibility that Vettori won't play. Maybe he's just sharing his knowledge with the young spinners, maybe he's just offering his advice and being an old wise head in the changing room. Maybe Vettori has been picked in the squad so that he can run drinks, the wisest drink runner ever, or just so he can be as close to the action as possible to best share his knowledge.
But you'd have to assume that he'll play. I hope that Vettori doesn't take the place of Ish Sodhi or Mark Craig and that's the last thing that Danny V probably wants. However, Jimmy Neesham has been struggling to have any sort of impact and that's the most logical choice. Having four seam bowlers in the U.A.E isn't overly efficient, it's handy but it's not really needed. That's where Kane Williamson's bent elbow comes in to play :(, Vettori in for Neesham would give us three spinners and an experienced willow wielder.
However, Danny V is probably the least interesting story line for the Black Caps in this 3rd test. It makes for a good headline and a minor discussion, but shit the bed, will Prince Kane get some runs? Has Ross Taylor actually found some form!? Will Brendon McCullum get a biggun'? Can Tom Latham continue to show signs of being our future top order anchor? Will Corey Anderson and/or Jimmy Neesham do something? Can Tim Southee and Trent Boult show that they are world class and rip through a side overseas? Will Sodhi have a breakout test? Is Craig able to dominate?
There ya go, that's pretty much everyone except Danny V ... and BJ. BJ Watling is awesome so his story is always funky. Anyway, until I see you again tomorrow after the first day, bye bye.