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Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
BBC Sport - New Zealand's Daniel Vettori retires from international cricket
Not a surprise in any way, but it's time to pay tribute to this legend of the New Zealand game. Much maligned in his latter years for his supposed inability to spin the ball, but what he lacked in turn he made up for in guile. His variations of release and angle were enough to bemuse the foolhardy. His early years, before a number of injuries took their toll are often forgotten but what should not be forgotten is his ability to work hard to become what the New Zealand team most needed at the time. Need a batsman? Don't worry, I can do that - said Vettori. Need a coach for a while? Don't worry, I can do that - said Vettori. Need a man to do the business whilst nursing a crippled arrrr-chilles, then Don't worry, I can do that too.
The mild-mannered Vettori had his moments of fire - most notably after an ODI versus England where Grant Elliott was controversially run out after a collision with Ryan Sidebottom.
This man, this beautiful bespectacled adonis, will be remembered fondly up and down New Zealand. He'll continue to be criticised in years to come by those who never saw him or were unaware of his contribution to New Zealand cricket.
He doesn't sail in to the sunset on the World Cup winning high that he would have wanted, but - 'Old Man' (not 'Old Man River', btw) - enjoy your retirement. I hope you find a way to keep contributing to New Zealand cricket. There goes a legend of the game, remember him well - for we were there to see him play.
Not a surprise in any way, but it's time to pay tribute to this legend of the New Zealand game. Much maligned in his latter years for his supposed inability to spin the ball, but what he lacked in turn he made up for in guile. His variations of release and angle were enough to bemuse the foolhardy. His early years, before a number of injuries took their toll are often forgotten but what should not be forgotten is his ability to work hard to become what the New Zealand team most needed at the time. Need a batsman? Don't worry, I can do that - said Vettori. Need a coach for a while? Don't worry, I can do that - said Vettori. Need a man to do the business whilst nursing a crippled arrrr-chilles, then Don't worry, I can do that too.
The mild-mannered Vettori had his moments of fire - most notably after an ODI versus England where Grant Elliott was controversially run out after a collision with Ryan Sidebottom.
This man, this beautiful bespectacled adonis, will be remembered fondly up and down New Zealand. He'll continue to be criticised in years to come by those who never saw him or were unaware of his contribution to New Zealand cricket.
He doesn't sail in to the sunset on the World Cup winning high that he would have wanted, but - 'Old Man' (not 'Old Man River', btw) - enjoy your retirement. I hope you find a way to keep contributing to New Zealand cricket. There goes a legend of the game, remember him well - for we were there to see him play.
