Three reasons why Daniel Vettori deserves recognition as a cricketing great

New Zealand cricket has come of age in recent times over the last few decades. With two World Cup finals appearances and one World Test Championship title, the Kiwis are a force to be reckoned with. 

Daniel Vettori is a noted legend in the sport and has done everything that is to be done within the 22 yards. Despite all the lofty achievements, Daniel Vettori hasn’t got the recognition he is supposed to receive. 

In this article, we look at the top three reasons why Daniel Vettori should be given recognition as a cricketing great. 

One of the best bowlers in the history of cricket – 

Daniel Vettori made his Test and ODI Debut just a few weeks after turning 18 years old. At a time when there were more established bowlers like Dion Nash and Geoff Allott. That didn’t stop the youngster from becoming a focal point of the Kiwi bowling attack. As the years went on Daniel Vettori became the leader of the bowling attack.

The introduction of Shane Bond, Daryl Tuffey, and Chris Martin didn’t change that fact. With 362 wickets from his 113 Test matches, Daniel Vettori sadly isn’t given his due. While the world celebrates Muralitharan, Warne, Kumble, Lyon, and Ashwin the left-arm spin great doesn’t get spoken about in the same breath. 

An underrated lower-order batter – 

In the Test format, in particular, New Zealand saw Daniel Vettori evolve into a decent lower-order batter. After starting his career at number 10 and 11, Daniel Vettori has batted as high as number three. 

The former Kiwi skipper enjoyed his most successful stint batting at number 8 where he scored over 2200 runs. His best of 140 came against Sri Lanka in 2009 against an attack which included Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath. 

With a total of 4531 runs in addition to scoring six centuries and 23 half-centuries, Daniel Vettori’s batting stats are underrated. No one in the current era of cricket has such amazing stats and not be recognized as a bonafide star all-round talent. 

Best economy rate in T20I cricket from a Test-playing nation bowler – 

Vettori despite his retirement from cricket a decade ago still leading the pack in the T20I format in one aspect. The former left-arm spinner has an economy rate of 5.7 runs per over which places him 16th in the overall list. 

Daniel Vettori is at the top of the pile as far as bowlers from Test-playing nations are concerned. The next best is Rashid Khan who is placed number 34 in the list. This speaks about the mastery Daniel Vettori showed in the shortest format despite playing only 34 games and picking 38 wickets.