LAHORE: New Zealand former captain Daniel Vettori, who is with the Australian team as a spin bowling consultant, has remarked on his first visit to the country after a 19-year absence and said it was “very pleasurable”.
In a video posted on Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) social media accounts, Vettori claimed that he will speak with the New Zealand players and inform them of how much the Australian cricketers enjoyed their tour to Pakistan.
“It has been very enjoyable. It has been a long time since Australia and New Zealand teams have been here. I am so glad to get a chance to come over here and experience Pakistan cricket,” he said.
The left-arm spinner rejoiced in his memories of competing against Pakistan and appreciated the Pakistan players and their toughness on home soil. “The memories in these grounds and how impressive they have been one of the best bits”. Vettori added.
“Not pleasant memories playing here. Unfortunately, I remember Inzamam taking off his thigh pad when he was playing on ten and retired after scoring around 320 wasn’t that much fun, Tough test matches with some fantastic players like Shoaib Akhtar bowling really fast, Saqlain Mushtaq bowling well, so there are memories of some exceptional cricketers and how tough cricket is over here,” Vettori stated.
He also reflected on his experience of visiting Pakistan and the impact this tour will have on the future of Pakistan cricket.
“I think it gives a chance to players and staff to relay their experiences. I am here for Cricket Australia, but I was talking to the guys back in New Zealand, and they have appreciated how much the players have enjoyed their tour and felt safe here, so obviously, it’s a stepping stone for more and more teams coming back,” Vettori added.
He also appreciated the crowds and talked about the quality of cricket that was played between the two sides. “Back in the Tests, I heard some noises for Pat Cummins during his press conference, and I think the crowd appreciated cricket being played here and seeing fantastic one-day matches, so the crowd enjoyed that,” Vettori concluded.
