Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori is wary of the Australian top-order as he leads his side against them in the Champions Trophy final.

By Firdose Moonda

Daniel Vettori has a habit of attending media events and scratching his right eye as though there's something in it. The first few times it could have been put down to tiredness, or maybe the pollen in the Johannesburg air, but now one is convinced there is something in his eye. Not just anything, but a vision of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Black Caps captain had earlier emphasised that he would relish leading the team to the final and now that he has ticked that box, that image in the back of his mind's eye is driving him. "After the win in the semi final, it's all about how we are going to win the final," said Vettori.

How indeed? In 27 matches between Australia and New Zealand, the Black Caps have lost 18 times - a losing rate of 67%. The last time the two sides clashed was in the 2008-09 Chappell Hadlee series, when the Kiwis squandered a 2-0 series advantage to draw at 2-2. Vettori harked back to the two games his side won and hoped the team would draw inspiration from them to answer that question.

Banking on the key men

The first of those matches saw Kyle Mills claim four wickets for 35 as Australia were bowled out for 181 and Ross Taylor guided the Black Caps to victory with a patient 64. Grant Elliott was the man who featured prominently in the second victory of that Chappell Hadlee series. His undefeated 61 was the top score in the New Zealand's chase of 226. Luckily for Vettori, all three of those players have performed well in the tournament so far, so hoping for an encore may not be too far fetched.

New Zealand haven't relied on individual performances as much as other teams. Vettori said the team prides itself on "six or seven guys stepping up every match," and although he would like for his side to continue in that vein he has isolated certain key players ahead of the final, such as those who starred in previous victories against Australia.

"Grant (Elliott) batted superbly in the semi-final even though he had an injection in his thumb and couldn't feel it," said Vettori, who also confirmed that Elliott would in all likelihood play in the final despite his injury. The New Zealand captain even laughed at suggestions that since Elliott is South African born, he may be prone to the chokers disease.

Bond to lead the attack

It seems as though Vettori has one key man for both the batting and bowling departments. While Elliot is his go to man with the bat, Shane Bond is the person he calls on with the ball. "With him (Bond) in the side, I always have someone to talk to and I always have someone I can rely on," said Vettori.

The captain has also given himself more responsibility as far as solo performances go. "I believe that my team will follow me if I perform well," he said. That much he has certainly done. His man of the match feat in the semi-final included three wickets for 43 runs and 41 runs with the bat. He is also the fifth leading bowler in the tournament so far.

Although the bowling has been New Zealand's strength, Vettori does not think that will count for much the on the Centurion wicket "It's a very good wicket and I'm think we will be able to adapt quickly no matter how it plays, but if the wicket is a bit tricky, I think Australia will have the advantage." Vettori also said the Black Caps were wary of the Australian top order who he called "outstanding."

One advantage Australia won't have is crowd support. "South Africans have a love-hate relationship with Australia," said Vettori. "We felt as though we were playing in Pakistan during the semi-final but this time I think this time they will be behind us." 

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