A Low Key Contest But A Lot At Stake

Preview: Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series, 2010/11

Both teams belong to the lower tier of the ICC Test Rankings. A test series win will end New Zealand’s losing streak while Pakistan can hope to begin the New Year with a long awaited victory to put back the horrors of 2010.

Pakistan has not won a test series since 2006 when they defeated West Indies at home. They particularly have a poor away record winning only 5 matches out of 29 in the last 5 years. The drawn series in the UAE against South Africa under new captain Misbah ul Haq has given the team self-belief and renewed confidence. Surprisingly their test unit looks more settled now as compared to their limited overs squads. Despite the absence of the tainted trio of Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Amir and Salman Butt, the replacements have not been too disappointing.

Since their 2-0 win over West Indies at home in March 2006 New Zealand have not won a test series apart from the wins against Bangladesh. Retirement of Shane Bond has created a big hole in their bowling department which has not been plugged so far. Reports of an injury to Jesse Ryder will weaken the batting too. Their main weapon will be their pace bowling which will be more adept in exploiting the seaming wickets at home.

Pakistan surely will miss experience of Mohammad Yousuf and Salman Butt in the already struggling batting line-up. Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq would have to score runs consistently to enable the likes of Azhar Ali, Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq combat the conditions. Umar will relish another opportunity on New Zealand soil to restore his form. About a year ago after scoring his stunning debut ton here he has failed to live up to his promise. Although he had a less spectacular start but Azhar Ali’s progress has been heartening for Pakistan. He looks more solid and dependable than his flamboyant compatriot Umar Akmal. Opening pair looks okay as Mohammad Hafeez is performing at last and Taufeeq Umar has a technique to flourish in tough conditions. Asad Shafiq and Khurram Manzoor in all likelihood will sit out at least in the first test but both are street smart cricketers and will be keen to take any opportunity which comes their way.

New Zealand’s batting will depend heavily on Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder and Ross Taylor. McCullum has flexed his muscles nicely by scoring s thunderous double hundred in the ongoing side-match against visiting Pakistanis. Martin Guptill and Tim McIntosh are also in form but how Kane Williamson performs will be of special interest. He scored a debut hundred against India in India and is being tipped as a great batting prospect for New Zealand. Reece Young is the new wicket-keeper batsman as McCullum will play as a batsman. Captain Daniel Vettori is one of the leading test all-rounders and scores crucial and at time substantial runs down the order. He may well be the key with both bat and ball.

Tanvir Ahmed had a magnificent test debut in UAE and will spearhead the attack with Wahab Riaz. The third pace bowling option is wide open for Pakistan. Umar Gul is not in form but still will be preferred over Sohail Tanvir who is coming back after a long lay-off. Abdul Razzaq would surely have been handy here. As far as spin is concerned, Abdur Rehman’s control may win over Saeed Ajmal’s variation. It will be very interesting to see whether Pakistan goes in with a specialist wicket-keeper in Adnan Akmal or Umar Akmal continues to wear gloves as he did in the T20 series. The latter option will surely strengthen the batting.

New Zealand has not picked Adam Milne who is promising pace bowler while Kyle Mills has also been ignored. Chris Martin will lead the attack supported by Tim Southee and Andy McKay. Brent Arnel has been given a chance after a good domestic season. James Franklin and Jesse Ryder provide more medium pace options to Vettori if need arises. Vettori is the lone spinner and will be a real threat to Pakistan batsmen who of late have looked suspect against left arm spin.

Misbah ul Haq can prolong his test career if he wins the series in New Zealand and on paper Pakistan definitely looks stronger. While Pakistan is at number 6 in ICC test rankings with 88 rating points, New Zealand are languishing at 8 with 80 rating points. A series win for Pakistan even by 2-0 will not change their ranking but it will reduce the gap towards the 5th spot. On the other hand a 1-0 series victory for the Black Caps will put them in the 7th position pushing Pakistan to 8th behind West Indies.