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We need to get the basics right - Vettori

Daniel Vettori has said that the second ODI at Cape Town is crucial after South Africa grabbed the momentum with a win in the first game at Bloemfontein

Cricinfo staff
27-Oct-2005


Jacob Oram might not play the second match in Cape Town because of a bad back © Getty Images
Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand spinner, has said that the second ODI at Cape Town is crucial from the series point of view after South Africa grabbed the momentum with a win in the first game at Bloemfontein.
"Both teams wanted to grab that first game and we were in with a chance all the way through - we both knew how important it was," Vettori told the New Zealand Press Association. "The momentum is now with South Africa but if we can take two games this weekend, or even split the games, then we're in with a chance. But the Cape Town game is really, really important."
"We need to get the basics right. A couple of missed catches and a couple of run outs cost us in the first game," added Vettori. "We need to smarten those things up against a side like South Africa who do get the basics right."
Both New Zealand and South Africa have several allrounders in the side giving them much flexibility with batting and bowling options but Vettori said that New Zealand weren't going to spring big surprises. "Not for us. We've always liked to know what our roles are and we've usually got ourselves into trouble by mixing it up. I don't see too many changes for us. South Africa like to spring a few changes and Nicky Boje has enjoyed batting against us so perhaps they'll spring a surprise or two."
Jacob Oram, who is struggling with a back injury, might miss the second match of the series but Scott Styris, who missed the first match because of a strained hamstring, has passed a fitness test and is set to play at Cape Town.