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The Black Caps’ belated effort for a place in next year’s World Test Championship final will come to a head against an injury-stricken Pakistan when it begins its two-test series this morning at Mount Maunganui.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Kane Williamson’s team is third behind Australia and India and needs to win the first Boxing Day match at Bay Oval and then the second from January 3-7 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch to have any chance of reaching the final at Lord’s .
Williamson, however, was well aware that they would need other results in their own way as well, which may explain why he tries to downplay the underlying meaning of the series.
“I think the context of that (the test championship) is great for the game in general,” he told reporters this week. “But our goal … is to basically start over.
“It’s about going back to basics and touching what’s in front of us rather than getting carried away by potential things.”
New Zealand’s chances of sweeping the series have been boosted by the return of top hitter Williamson, who missed innings and a 12-run win over the West Indies in Wellington while awaiting the birth of his first child.
Tim Southee has also added motivation for the opener, with the pacing bowling spearhead just four wickets of joining Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori as the third New Zealand bowler to hit 300 proving grounds.
Pakistan, however, will not feature injured captain Babar Azam, starter Imam-Ul-Haq and off-roader Shadab Khan and substitute captain Mohammad Rizwan said that while they would miss the trio, they hoped others would seize their opportunities.
“We trust them,” he said. “And I hope they play well.”
Rizwan was also not worried about the grassy wicket block, which could prove advantageous for the home team’s fast-paced bowling quartet.
“It doesn’t matter for the field if there is a little grass,” he said.
“If it is difficult for us, it is difficult for New Zealand.”
–Reuters
