The bowling all-rounder will lead a relatively inexperienced New Zealand side into what is effectively a bottom-of-the-table clash with the West Indies when the first test gets under way at the University Oval today.
Technically, Bangladesh occupies last place, but is well off the pace.
"As Chris Gayle said at the mayoral function [on Tuesday], it is a bottom-of-the-table clash and we'll see who comes out on top," Vettori said.
While both teams are in a rebuilding phase, plenty of class players will be on display.
The West Indies has a trio of quality batsmen in Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Black Caps all-rounder Jacob Oram and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum are world class, as is Vettori.
Whether the players are undone by the weather remains to been seen.
Scattered showers may disrupt play today.
The forecast looks brighter for tomorrow afternoon, but a southerly change is predicted to hit later that evening.
Despite heavy rain on Monday, the pitch looked dry and hard yesterday.
"The wicket is probably what we expect - a deck that probably won't have too much pace in it and, as the game goes on, I think it will get lower and slower," Vettori said.
The West Indies coach was complimentary of the University Oval, saying it was "a very pretty ground".
"Possibly this is the way test cricket will go, as you guys call them, boutique grounds."
