Channeling Dan

He might be the English star on the rise but by hell Stokes appeal has more than a bit of an echo of fellow Kiwi born Dan Vettori.

Never Too Old To Boogie!

Caught Short

Short of brains, short of technique, short of breath and short of the mark. Four run outs in a row does not make for happy viewing and while no one should be looking for a panic button to press it did feel a little like some Black Caps players had been reading too many glowing reports.

The Tongue Is Back!

Vettori's tongue should be up to it, but who knows how long the rest of his body might last? For however long it might be, I for one will enjoy watching him bowl.

Nostalgia

Less hair, no beard, one ball past the outside edge, the second one an arm ball past the inside edge, the 10 finger appeal - it all brings back such happy memories.

Only The Beard Knows

Don't Ask + Don't Get

Trent Boult channels a little Daniel Vettori. With more success than Dan has had lately.

Just Chillin

The calm before yet another storm for Daniel Vettori.

I wonder if it does get any easier over time?

A Tiger For Punishment

Nothing like a wet and windy day at the Basin reserve to make you think just a little about retirement as you trudge to Fine Leg.

Vettoris' Midriff

As a long suffering Black Cap supporter it is good to see that the daily grind of IPL madness seems to be keeping our best bowling asset in good shape.

No middle age spread here. Now if he could just remember how to turn the ball ...

No sooner had I posted this little missive when I learned that Dan The Man has injured himself and is flying home to NZ - see that's what it is like being a Black Cap supporter!

Tired Old Thing

Danny, if the sad old pitch is the biggest challenge you end up having it will be a good day out. You only win this with a positive attitude and more aggression than is good for a man over 30. No whining, just grab the chance by the throat and strangle the shit out of it.

Head Cases

The Black Collapse have just illustrated, yet again, one of the great mysteries of modern sport - why any one would employ a sports psychologist!?.

If these pussy willows are a product of a coordinated programme of coaching and mental preparation I can't help thinking that someone, perhaps the poor sods who turn up to watch in Hamilton, deserves a considerable refund on their investment. The only investment that seems dodgier is some one prepared to pay a million US dollars for Ross Taylor - good luck with that.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Mark Greatbatch asked for two draws and a series loss and that is just what he got.

You can look on the development bright side as much as you want, but just like catching MS Dhoni for 98, it is only a hollow victory if you don't win in the end.

Day One, India Lots

Hardly A Toss Up

Daniel Vettori, NZ Cricketer Of The Year.

Not even a back street bookie in Bangalore could have produced any other result.

He remains a big fish in a fairly small aquarium.

Boys 2 Men

Great efort by Dan The Man to reach 100 tests. It is a big call to perform at international level, carry your team's bowling attack and grow up, all on the public stage.

Look out Kapil Dev, it won't belong before you are joined on 400/4000.

Great Minds Think Alike

And then of course there are the average minds that are all over the place like a mad woman's washing.

I do think they have a plan, it is just that they lack the mental strength to execute it.

Pretty In Pink!?

Playing in pink is like wearing lycra, you better be very good looking and stylish to start with or else you are going to look like a dork.

Now I am not qualified to say whether Dan the Man is good looking or not but he has never been accused of being stylish, unless it is the fact that he has a style all of his own.

I blame the MCC/IPL/McGrath Foundation for this explosion of pink and demand that we see a return to more sensible colours before I am forced to watch Scott Styris in a full body lycra jump suit!

There, There

It's not easy doing everything and sometimes even the captain, coach, selector, batsman, bowler needs a hug. Which is why the selection of the team physio is crucial and not a role Vettori will seek.

Ask And You Shall Receive

Classic Vettori appeal if just a little stylised.

He may have been asking for an LBW or just pleading for someone to get Aamir out!