Why isn't Daniel Vettori performing well in Tests?

[Sartaj]

He's the #1 spin bowler in ODIs and T20s.
But,he doesn't seem to be doing well in Tests with the ball for a long time now.
What do you reckon is the reason behind this?
Is his technique unsuitable for Test match cricket?

 

[pcfan123]

I have always wondered this myself.
He averages less in ODIs and T20is than in Tests!

However he does have close to 300 test scalps at 33.5, that is no small feat.

Perhaps some of our kiwi members can shed some light on this?

Tests 293 @ 33.55
ODIs 241 @ 32.44
T20Is 25 @ 14.08

 

[Ari]

He hardly spins the ball these days thats the main reason. When he was younger he would spin it alot more but this led to some back problems for him so he changed the way he went about his bowling (change of pace, flight, angle etc). However in test matches those things alone are easy enough to defend against just wait for the bad ball and put him away. You will find that he gets most his wickets when batsman are trying to attack him (see shorter forms of the game) and they are beaten by flight, pace or lack of.

 

[SciD]

Easy. Keep Daniel out and you are pretty much set for huge score.

 

[pcfan123]

that t20 average is ridiculous though, I know he has not played too much but its impressive.

 

[Howsie]

He hardly spins the ball these days thats the main reason. When he was younger he would spin it alot more but this led to some back problems for him so he changed the way he went about his bowling (change of pace, flight, angle etc). However in test matches those things alone are easy enough to defend against just wait for the bad ball and put him away. You will find that he gets most his wickets when batsman are trying to attack him (see shorter forms of the game) and they are beaten by flight, pace or lack of.

That is pretty much it

I think his last back injury was around 2002/03 but before that he spun the ball a lot more then what he does now. He isn't driving through with his hip as much as he could either, watch his earlier games and you will notice this:

YouTube - Daniel Vettori bowling highlight

Vettori against the Aussie's in 2000

He gets over his front leg so much more in that video

 

[sami ullah khan]

I think vettori needs to develop more variety at this stage in his career. Even if he starts spinning it big time, he will eventually be worked out. I wonder if he can develop a Doosra for a left arm spinner? I know he has the arm ball but a doosra will be a different thing to deal with. It will spin into the right handers and will bag him a lot of lbw/bowled dismissals. I don't think any left arm spinner has mastered or even tried doosra. Why is that?

 

[jordox]

It's because he is only effective when you are trying to score off him. In tests, batsman just keep him out and only hit the really bad balls. He isn't that threatening when batsman know they literally have all day to keep him out, and just pick him off for singles.

He comes into his element in ODI and T20 because of his amazing accuracy and ability to change the pace of the ball. It is much more effective to do that in the shorter forms than it is in Test match cricket.

 

[Sartaj]

I think vettori needs to develop more variety at this stage in his career. Even if he starts spinning it big time, he will eventually be worked out. I wonder if he can develop a Doosra for a left arm spinner? I know he has the arm ball but a doosra will be a different thing to deal with. It will spin into the right handers and will bag him a lot of lbw/bowled dismissals. I don't think any left arm spinner has mastered or even tried doosra. Why is that?

Its probably because most of the left arm spinners have a slightly side on (or slant if you like) bowling action.
To bowl a doosra,you need to release it with a straight arm-rotation action.
Saqlain Mushtaq,Harbhajan Singh and Saeed Ajmal do that.

 

[CG123]

another factor you need to take into account is his outstanding economy rate
he used to be know to build up pressure at one end while the bowler at the other end picks up wickets
this was very effective for NZ when bond was bowling at the other end

here are some more stats:
92 tests @ 2.63
239 ODIs @ 4.17
16 T20s @ 5.50!!!

 

[RoboRocks]

Vettori is accurate and bowls a good length, so he'll keep the run rate down. He is still for me a dangerous bowler if the pitch is turning since some balls will turn and some will go straight on. Plus his changes of pace will always keep you guessing.

 

[Howsie]

Plus you have to remember Vettori doesn't get to play on too many decks that support spin, or help aid spin.

 

[irottev]

He'll never be a destroyer because he doesn't get a heap of spin and doesn't play much in the sub-continent.

There's actually nothing wrong with him in tests. He's been very dependable and solid over the past few years especially with the bat. As a test all-rounder there aren't many better around at the moment.

 

[Cricket_god]

He'll never be a destroyer because he doesn't get a heap of spin and doesn't play much in the sub-continent.

There's actually nothing wrong with him in tests. He's been very dependable and solid over the past few years especially with the bat. As a test all-rounder there aren't many better around at the moment.

Leftarm spinners need help from the surface which he does not,if he bowls o dustbowls he will deadly.

 

[Fatal Shot]

It's because he doesn't have anybody at the other end to keep the pressure on the batsmen.

All their other quickies are nothing special. If Bond comes back, it will help Vettori tons.