McCullum: Vettori holds the key

New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum believes captain Daniel Vettori is the key if the Black Caps are to produce a revival in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.

Vettori batted defiantly for an hour and a half on day one before watching helplessly from the non-striker's end as his team lost four for eight today.

He then bowled 28 overs and took 1-54 against a rampaging Ricky Ponting and a workmanlike Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke as the hosts advanced to 241 for three in pursuit of the Black Caps’ 270.

McCullum was not surprised to see the skipper deliver such a steady performance.

"He's a class bowler, he's been our best bowler for a long time now," McCullum said.

"It would be nice if we were able to bowl from well in front of the game rather than constantly having to mix between defence and attack to make sure we limit the damage.

"He bowled fantastic, it's a shame he had to occupy that (River Torrens) end. I guess the quicks would have been nice operating from there but with the footmarks out wide, plus the perfect wind for Dan, you've got to give your best bowler the best opportunities."

Daniel Vettori can lead New Zealand's fightback according to keeper Brendon McCullum

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McCullum was hopeful Vettori, with the help of Aaron Redmond and Jesse Ryder, would be able to make the most of a wearing track as the match progressed.

"It's going to take a huge effort with the ball tomorrow and then it'll take something completely out of the ordinary from the way we have performed with the bat to give ourselves a lead of 150-200," he said.

"If we can manage to get that far in front then it would give Dan and Aaron Redmond (a chance)."

Hussey made an unbeaten 69 on day two but never showed signs of savaging the opposition's attack. The middle-order batsman said that had a lot to do with Vettori's bowling.

"He used the breeze very well, he got a bit of drift away. There was a bit of rough there outside the left handers," he said.

"It was awkward because some were spinning and some were just skidding straight on.

"His control was fantastic, I said to one of the guys afterwards I think he only bowled me one bad ball and that was the one I could pull away. I think that was the only bad ball he bowled to me."

Australia's steady batting performance highlighted the gulf in experience between the two line-ups.

But McCullum said his side would improve in time.

"If we can continue with guys for a period of time and get some 10,20,30 Tests into our top order then it gives us our best opportunity," he said.

"These guys are the best players in the country. There's no doubting that, with experience, hopefully we'll be able to see some better results from all of us.

"Try and look at guys like Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Hussey - at some point they had to start off as well."