CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand won the toss and put Pakistan into bat on a green-tinged wicket with a wet outfield in the first Test in Christchurch on Friday.
After rain washed out the first day, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson´s decision to bowl was not surprising.
“It looks like there will be a bit in it initially,” Williamson said. “We can see a bit of green grass and hopefully will get good bowling conditions early.”
New Zealand have named two debutants — Jeet Raval and Colin de Grandhomme — with leg spinner Todd Astle returning to the line up for his second Test after making his debut four years ago.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who would also have bowled had he won the toss, said he was confident his batsmen “know how to cope with the seam movement.”
New Zealand, coming off a 3-0 thumping by India, have lost six of nine Tests so far this year while Pakistan, who have not lost a series in New Zealand since 1985, have won four of seven Tests in 2016.
However, the tourists´ preparation for the this Test has been less than ideal with their warm-up match washed out.
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling, Tim Southee, Todd Astle, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.
Pakistan: Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Rahat Ali, Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Sohail Khan.
Source : APP
