By SS
December 15 2003

An intriguing 2 test series begins on Friday, with both teams capable of pressing the self destruct button. The Kiwis at home are a solid unit, but Pakistan will be looking to build upon the SA series success. Friday sees the start of a potentially difficult 2 test series for Pakistan, as they take on the Kiwis in their own backyard, in unfamiliar conditions for the Pakistani lineup.

The most intriguing aspect for Pakistani fans will be how their relatively raw and inexperienced batting lineup will cope against a New Zealand attack which bowled out the Indians this time last year, for 161, 121, 99 and 154. Admittedly key bowler Shane Bond is missing from the first test lineup, but Tuffey, Butler, Oram, Styris and Cairns can cause the Pakistani batsman a lot of problems.

The Pakistani batsman need to play their natural game, with the pivotal role of anchor man being adopted by Taufeeq Umer, who needs to try and bat for long periods. With Taufeeq “blocking up” one end, the more aggressive batsman such as Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana and Inzamam can play their natural game, although the approach needs to mix patience with aggression, unlike the kamikaze approach adopted in the third test the last time Pakistan toured New Zealand.

It will be interesting to see what the final selection for the Pakistani team is, as there are a number of possible permutations. Abdul Razzaq could be a very handy performer in such conditions and will be vying for a spot in the team with Shoaib Malik. Shabbir Ahmed has already made an impact in the warm up match and looks likely to get the nod as the third seamer. Danish Kaneria is no certainty for the test with the possibility that Pakistan may go for an all seam attack, obviously depending on the nature of the wicket. The safest option however could be the pick your best 6 batsman, wicketkeeper and your 4 best bowlers, ignoring the all rounders for this match.

However all eyes will be on Mohamed Sami and Shoaib Akhtar and how much they can work over the home teams batsman. Sami left an impression last time he toured New Zealand with some superb inswinging yorkers in the test victory for Pakistan, but Shoaib has a lot to prove to the Kiwi public. He left the last tour of New Zealand early, citing injury and also suspicions were raised about his bowling action by the local umpires. This is a different Shoaib Akhtar to the one that visited New Zealand previously, a more mature and intelligent bowler who has the ability to turn a match in one over, as shown in the recent series against South Africa.

With the return to the team of experienced players such as Mark Richardson, Craig MacMillan and the excellent Stephen Fleming, the Kiwis will be out for revenge, following the hammering they received in Pakistan, and at home they will prove to be a much tougher nut to crack.

I expect a hard fought and tight series with the possibility that one inspired spell of bowling from a Shoaib Akhtar, Mohamed Sami or Daryl Tuffey could tilt the course of the series.