Vettori Hopes For Killer Instinct

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has warned against complacency should they forge an advantage in the final npower Test against England.

The New Zealanders head into the match at Trent Bridge today on the back of a six-wicket defeat in Manchester which put them 1-0 behind in the series.

Once again the inability to close out a match, which has plagued them for a decade, hampered their cause after securing a 179-run first innings lead.

But Vettori does not believe the latest failing will impact on the team's chances of levelling things.

"There have only been three or four of us who have been involved in the last couple of years," said Vettori.

"The rest of our guys are new to this situation.

"But if I reflect back on it complacency was the biggest factor that led to it.

"The fact that we were 270 in front, we thought that would be enough, and just wanted to get out there and bowl to them and that hopefully I would then take over and take the wickets.

"Unfortunately it didn't play out like that so if we get into that situation again - and it was a great situation - we realise we have to finish the job as opposed to thinking what we've got is enough.

"If we had rolled around straight into this Test match it would have been a tough ask for guys to get over that disappointment. But the fact we got to Northampton and played a warm-up game probably under a lot less scrutiny has given us a chance to move on from Old Trafford."

One positive for New Zealand is the discomfort they have left England in during the first half of five Tests between the countries this year.

But Vettori is acutely aware of the need to turn performances into results and admitted: "We need to win a game against a good team and even if you look back at Hamilton, where we played really well there was a portion of our second innings where we got a little frenetic, lost a few wickets quickly and pulled ourselves out of that mire.

"We need to put ourselves into that position, do it properly and hopefully that will be the end of it."

Aerial movement dominated the Test here last year when India's Zaheer Khan starred and some of the Kiwis will contemplate donning their new Canterbury trousers, which contain chamois for polishing the ball.

Whether extra shine will enhance swing is uncertain and there are sure to be sceptics.

Vettori said: "It seems unlikely but if these guys have put so much effort and research into it then they must have done their homework.

"If it's a way to get an edge that will be great because all sporting brands are trying to find that. If it does work it will be great."