Zimpapers Logo

WELLINGTON. — New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori confirmed what many expected in announcing his retirement from international cricket upon the team’s return from the World Cup yesterday.

The 36-year-old former captain had been widely expected to retire from international cricket at the conclusion of New Zealand’s involvement in the tournament.

New Zealand were beaten by seven wickets by co-hosts Australia in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, with Vettori suffering a lower leg injury before the game.

He finished with 0-25 from five overs, though took 15 wickets at 20.46 throughout the tournament with an economy rate of 4.04.

“It was my last game for New Zealand so it was a lovely way to finish,” he told reporters at Auckland airport.

“It would have been great to win but I’m pretty proud of everyone and the way they’ve gone about things for the last six weeks.

“To be able to finish in the final albeit without a win, I’m just very grateful for the amount of support I had particularly from Brendon (McCullum) and Mike (Hesson).

“To be able to get back from a number of injuries and to be here and to be part of it . . . is something I’ll always treasure.”

Vettori retires as New Zealand’s most capped test and one-day player having played his 113th test match against Pakistan in United Arab Emirates last November, more than two years since his last appearance in the longest form of the game.

Achilles and back injuries restricted his appearances in the latter years of his career but he worked hard on his fitness to be included in New Zealand’s World Cup squad. — Reuters.