From being billeted to five star hotels - it's been a quick trip to the top for Northern Districts' cricketer Daniel Vettori.

After he was picked to play against England earlier this year, the 18-year-old spin bowler from Hamilton starred with the ball and quickly became a bowler with match-winning potential.

Today, he travelled to Auckland to assemble with the New Zealand team for their tour to India.

"It's been a little bit mind-blowing - from being billeted in rep teams a couple of months ago to staying in five star hotels," Vettori said. He knows little about India. He's been told it's a poor country that's very hot and heavily populated.

"Apparently you get about 50,000 people to the games, compared to 10,000 here."

He's also heard a bit about the dry, dusty pitches that make touring India a spinner's dream.

It's those pitches and a break from the game that have made Vettori excited about the tour and keen to continue his good form after the the England and Sri Lanka tests.

"I've been down to the nets most days and it feels good," he said.

Source: Waikato Times
Contributed by: David Ridland (jdavid@wave.co.nz)

Date-stamped : 25 Feb1998 - 18:34