Vettori pins hopes on one-day form

After being obliterated during the two-Test series, Daniel Vettori is taking comfort from New Zealand's limited-overs pedigree as they prepare for the Twenty20 international and three one-dayers against South Africa.

An injury-hit New Zealand were routed by an innings and 59 runs inside three days at Centurion following a record-breaking 359-run defeat in the opening Test at the Wanderers. But the shorter formats will allow New Zealand to compete on more level terms with the home side. New Zealand are ranked third in one-day internationals, one place behind South Africa.

"Our one-day form is markedly better than our Test form," said Vettori."We do have some confidence in our game. We're obviously missing a few guys from our last set of one-dayers in the World Cup but because guys play so much cricket there's a chance to turn things around."

Of the team that reached the World Cup semi-finals in April, Shane Bond and James Franklin are injured, while Stephen Fleming and Craig McMillan have retired. However, Vettori should have the services of key allrounder Jacob Oram who missed the second Test with a hamstring injury.

Following Friday's Twenty20 at the Wanderers, the three ODIs will be played at Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town where conditions are not expected to be as bowler-friendly as the Tests. South Africa's recent one-day form, however, is strong after their impressive 3-2 series win in Pakistan.