Daniel Vettori: The silent giant who left a lasting spin on the game

Among the game's leading left-arm spinners

Vettori remains one of only a handful of left-arm orthodox spinners to achieve sustained success across formats.

His 362 Test wickets – the most by any New Zealander barring Sir Richard Hadlee and Tim Southee – came through accuracy, subtle variation, and reading batters rather than turn alone.

Making his debut at just 18, Vettori became the youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand at the time.

Over time, he developed into a complete package, equally effective at holding one end or attacking when needed. Among his most memorable moments was a 12-wicket haul against Australia in Auckland in 2000, in addition adding up 20 five-wicket hauls across his career in the format.

He ended with 4,531 Test runs - a rare feat for a frontline bowler - with six centuries and 23 half-centuries as well to his name, further underlining his all-round value.

Vettori stands one of only 10 players in Test history with over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets.

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