Vettori to bat five in one-dayers

Black Caps coach John Bracewell has hinted that Daniel Vettori will bat five in the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka to help counteract Sri Lanka’s spin attack.

Vettori was named captain for the first two one-dayers with Stephen Fleming being rested. Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Shane Bond also join Fleming in being rested from the first two one-dayers.

Another likely change in the batting order Bracewell has said will see Brendon McCullum open the batting to attack the new ball allowing a specialist batsman of either Hamish or James Marshall to bat seven to see the innings home.

Bracewell also gave hope to Craig McMillan after his recent good form in domestic cricket saying “we’re delighted with the progress he’s made. We’re in constant touch with him and his domestic coach.”

The second Twenty20 international is played in Auckland on Boxing Day followed by the one-day series with the first one-dayer being played at Napier on 28th December.