Taylor-made chance for Kiwis

Bagai hoping to maintain momentum after Canada's win over Kenya

Last updated: 12th March 2011  

Taylor-made chance for Kiwis

Vettori: rested by Kiwis

One of the biggest strengths about Dan is that he leads from the front with bat and ball and in the field. That's the way I'd like to learn off him and hopefully assert myself and lead from the front as well

Ross Taylor
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Ross Taylor will lead New Zealand in their Group A clash with Canada as Daniel Vettori sits out the game due to a knee injury.

All-rounder Vettori suffered a mild strain of the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when attempting to take a catch in the win over Pakistan.

It was at first feared that the Kiwi skipper may be ruled out for the rest of the tournament, but he now hopes to be back in charge for the final pool game against Sri Lanka.

His absence on Sunday, however, means Taylor takes over the reins fresh off the back of a superb century in the 110-run win over Pakistan on Tuesday.

"It's an honour to captain your country. I've been able to do it a few times and have enjoyed some success," he said.

"Tomorrow is another game, not to get any more nervous than normal. It's nice to captain your county in a World Cup, but the main result obviously is to win a game."

Added responsibility

Taylor has previously led the Black Caps nine times in one-day cricket. He has taken the added responsibility in his stride too; he averages more than 42 in those games compared to a career mark of 36 in 103 ODI's.

"As captain, you always like to lead from the front," the right-hander said.

"One of the biggest strengths about Dan is that he leads from the front with bat and ball and in the field. That's the way I'd like to learn off him and hopefully assert myself and lead from the front as well."

New Zealand are yet to decide who will take Vettori's place in their starting line-up. They could opt to recall seamer Hamish Bennett but if they want to stick with a left-arm slow bowler in the XI, Luke Woodcock could get a chance.

Canada, meanwhile, go into the game off the back of just their second ever World Cup win.

Their success over fellow minnows Kenya in Delhi on Monday means they seem certain to avoid the wooden spoon in the group.

"We are looking to use this as a spark for the second half of the first round. My goal now is to get batsmen who are performing to be consistent and leave the first round on a high," said Canada captain Ashish Bagai.

The associate nation will be wary of New Zealand's batting feats against Pakistan - they smashed an astonishing 100 runs in the last five overs.

A victory over Canada would put the Kiwis top of Group A on eight points and would make certain of a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

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