Daniel Vettori landed back in Auckland after the Cricket World Cup final and announced what many suspected - that he'd played his last game of international cricket.
The fact he was in Melbourne at all is testament to a whole lot of hard work behind the scenes. After refusing a national or domestic contract in 2013, he's been hard at work to get his body right to take on the World Cup.
He goes out as part of the Team of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 with 15 wickets at 20.46, having used all of his experience to play more than a couple of vital hands, including reeling Australia back from a flyer in the Eden Park encounter, and helping Grant Elliott at the death against South Africa in the semi final. That's not to mention the flying one-hander against West Indies - it's worth another look.
He goes out as New Zealand's most-capped Test player with 113, coming back for a one-off Test in Sharjah to take the record. He is only the eighth player to reach the 300 wicket / 3000 run Test double. He goes out on 290 ODIs, easily a new Zealand record, and with the most wickets (297).
The man himself typically deadpan when announcing the end of his international career. "It was great the amount of support I had, particularly from Brendon and the two Mikes (Mike Hesson, BLACKCAPS head coach and Mike Sandle, BLACKCAPS manager).
To be here and be part of the World Cup, and hopefully a big contributing factor to us making the final is something I’ll always treasure.
As far as finishing on a high as part of a very good winning team, it’s very satisfying," said Vettori.
Outgoing BLACKCAPS blowing coach was effusive in his praise: "What can I say, I’m lucky I got to play all my career with him, and it was fantastic for us that he came back, he epitomises everything good about New Zealand Cricket as a professional cricketer, he’s had just a fantastic career and I was thrilled for him that he got the chance to end it in a World Cup final, it was befitting of his stature not only as a player but also as a bloke. Yeah it’s nice that he got recognised and has been recognised," said Bond.
From here, Vettori leaves almost immediately to continue his coaching career with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Vettori makes his debut against England in 1996-97.
Vettori on his way to his best Test figures of 7-87 v Australia at Eden Park in 2000.
Vettori on his way to his best ODI figures of 5-7 against Bangladesh at Queenstown Events Centre in 2007.
Vettori wins Player Of The Year at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in 2005.
Brendon McCullum and Vettori celebrate dismissing Hashim Amla in the Cricket World Cup 2011 win over South Africa in the 2011 World Cup, where Vettori was skipper.
Vettori is applauded on in his record-breaking 113th Test appearance for New Zealand in Sharjah.
"Dad doesn't get that high on the tramp" - Vettori's son's assessment of his Cake Tin flyer.
