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Johannesburg: Inconsistent batting is giving New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori headaches before the ICC 2009 Champions Trophy starts in South Africa on Sep 22.
"A lack of consistency in the batting is a worry and there may be a lack of competition for places," Vettori said ahead of the 50-over tournament featuring the leading eight ODI nations.
"But the batsmen all boast pretty good statistics. Grant Elliott and Martin Guptill are averaging nearly 50 and Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum have had great seasons in the past."
He said the top-order would have to build run-rich stands if a Black Caps squad ranked sixth in the world were to upset the odds and win the mini-World Cup a second time.
"The team that steps up with partnerships is the one that will win the tournament. We have not being doing that lately, particularly in Sri Lanka," admitted Vettori.
New Zealand were bowled out for 119 and 155 by Sri Lanka in a tri-nation tournament including India and managed 173 against Sri Lanka A in a warm-up game.
Vettori is happier with his bowlers, saying a pace attack including Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey was in good form and capable of making a telling contribution during the two-week tournament.
"The experience Shane and Daryl bring is great and both have very good records. In the seam department there is a lot of competition and any good team has that."
