New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has decided to retire the jersey number 11 in honour of former skipper and all-rounder Daniel Vettori. The left-arm spinner has been one of the greatest servants of New Zealand across formats.
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Vettori is the youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand, at the age of 18. He is one of only eight players to have managed the double of 300 Test wickets and 3000 runs. Daniel Vettori’s ability to hit the areas consistently took him to the epitome of success. A more than handy lower-order batsman, he is the most prolific No. 8 in Tests. He had to shoulder a lot of responsibility during 2008-09, including that of a selector when New Zealand was going through a rough phase. However, it didn’t affect Vettori’s game as he has rescued the Kiwis on many occasions.
Players that represent New Zealand in 200 ODIs have their shirt number retired. Daniel Vettori who wore number 11 has played the most ODIs for the BLACKCAPS with 291. pic.twitter.com/5oeGPKdnEK
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Meanwhile, New Zealand have decided to retire the shirt numbers of players that represent New Zealand in over 200 ODIs. Daniel Vettori played 291 ODIs for New Zealand, claiming 297 wickets and scoring 2253 runs in those matches. He also has 362 wickets and 4531 runs in Test cricket. Ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka starting from August 14, the Black Caps announced the development.
The likes Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Chris Harris, Ross Taylor, Nathan Astle and Chris Cairns, have also represented New Zealand in 200 ODIs too, but it isn’t yet clear whether the shirt numbers of all of them will be retired too.
Daniel Vettori. Credit: AFP
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The Kiwi; however, finished as the runner-up for the consecutive time in the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2019. They lost to England in the final by Super Over boundary count. The game of 100 overs and then the Super Over couldn’t separate both the team before the umpires had to rely on the boundary count to declare the winners.
