Niall
International Coach
So 2 weeks away and what could be a cracking little series. New Zealand will start favourites, but Pakistan have been very consistent and have little to fear from a side which is on a poor run in the red ball format.
Pakistan have named their test squad
Sharjeel Khan picked in Pakistan's Test squad for New Zealand tour | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo
Sharjeel is somewhat of a odd choice, but unlikely to get a game. I'd assume we will a very similar side as the one in action with West Indies, with Sohail or Rahat playing instead of Babar. Nawaz the only other player that's not a guaranteed starter as possibly Azam may play to strengthen the batting. Its a tough call, Nawaz is not a top seven bat whatsoever, but they need a fifth bowler.
I haven't seen that much of New Zealand in test cricket recently,so reluctant to make a call, Id probably call a drawn series if pushed. We have had some lovely matches in NZ between these two over the years, remember that debut century of Umar Akmal, how many of us thought he would be a test beast at the time.
Pakistan have named their test squad
Sharjeel Khan picked in Pakistan's Test squad for New Zealand tour | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo
Sharjeel is somewhat of a odd choice, but unlikely to get a game. I'd assume we will a very similar side as the one in action with West Indies, with Sohail or Rahat playing instead of Babar. Nawaz the only other player that's not a guaranteed starter as possibly Azam may play to strengthen the batting. Its a tough call, Nawaz is not a top seven bat whatsoever, but they need a fifth bowler.
I haven't seen that much of New Zealand in test cricket recently,so reluctant to make a call, Id probably call a drawn series if pushed. We have had some lovely matches in NZ between these two over the years, remember that debut century of Umar Akmal, how many of us thought he would be a test beast at the time.
First test
Thursday, 17 November 2016 11:00am–Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Second Test
Friday, 25 November 2016 11:00am–Seddon Park, Hamilton