Australians fear Vettori will let things slide

Black Caps get the last laugh

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The Australian batsmen are wary of Daniel Vettori's slider.

His ball that goes on with the arm has troubled them in the Chappell-Hadlee series. Captain Ricky Ponting said that type of delivery has them on their toes more than the prospect of New Zealand ordering dry, spinning pitches for the two test matches.

"Dan is more dangerous when it is not spinning, as funny as that sounds," Ponting said.

"These wickets haven't turned at all and the ball that he bowls that slides on is probably his best weapon to right-handed batsmen."

Vettori's figures seldom do him justice and this series is no different – only six wickets at an average of 24.50, at an economy rate of 3.97 runs per over.

The leading wicket-taker in the series was Mitchell Johnson with 12 at 18.33 while New Zealand's most successful was Shane Bond with nine at 21.

Bond leaves today to participate in the Indian Premier League, and Ponting is not unhappy to see the back of him.

"He's a good bowler. He would strengthen their [test] side but he has made the decision not to play and you'll probably see that happening more and more.

"It will be interesting to see what wickets they serve up to us with Bond not there. Maybe they will be drier pitches but with our balance we have all bases covered."

Ponting predicts Johnson will have a massive influence on the series. "He's bowled as well this series as I've seen him bowl.

"Normally a sign with bowlers is if they can land their first ball where they want to, and Mitch has done that and picked up important wickets all series," said Ponting, adding that Johnson will remain in his first-change role in the tests.

- © Fairfax NZ News