The BLACKCAPS head into the first of the three Test series against Pakistan in the UAE with no illusions about what lies ahead. Australian defeat is usually cause for some cheer on this side of the Tasman, in this instance it's more a warning sign.
Skipper Brendon McCullum, speaking at the pre-Test media conference, said: "Pakistan were excellent in their series against Australia, and thoroughly deserved their win, they're a very formidable team in these conditions and we're well aware of the challenge that's front of us as a team and we've worked pretty hard in the lead-up to come up with some plans that will hopefully counter some of the strengths in their bowling line-up.
"You're never quite sure I guess until you're out in the middle in the heat of the battle, but I think we've got a nice mix within our group, we've got some left-hand right-hand options as well which Australia probably didn't have through the middle stages and hopefully that's one of the factors that will help us counter their line-up."
The first Test team will line up as follows, with Brendon McCullum to open the batting:
Brendon McCullum (c)
Tom Latham
Kane Williamson
Ross Taylor
Corey Anderson
Jimmy Neesham
BJ Watling
Tim Southee
Mark Craig
Ish Sodhi
Trent Boult
McCullum will take the openers' role agains for the first time in two years, adding an element of surprise for the Pakistanis, and intrigue for everyone else. The move allows both Jimmy Neesham, who is currently averaging 64.00 with the bat in Tests, and Corey Anderson to play and share the third seamer duties, leaving Neil Wagner and Hamish Rutherford to carry the drinks, which is no small task in the Abu Dhabi heat.
Much rests on the backs of young spin duo Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, who will play in some of the most spin-friendly conditions they'll have expereinced in their short BLACKCAPS careers. Both like to attack and take wickets, and will be wishing Brendon McCullum well as he walks out to make the toss - the Australian series showed the best of the batting conditions happens in the first couple of days, and that when the pitch breaks up, it's game on for the spinners. No doubt the batsmen in the side will be hoping for the same outcome with the coin.
The first Test against Pakistan starts tonight, 9 November, at 7pm New Zealand time at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. It's live on SKY Sport with updates on Radio Sport. The match will be live-scored here at blackcaps.co.nz with updates on @BLACKCAPS twitter.
