A moment to cherish They said it
The old adage of never changing a winning team will be hotly debated by the Black Caps’ hierarchy as they chase a first offshore test series victory over Pakistan in nearly 50 years.
First up, the dressing room celebrations kicked off at full volume for the New Zealanders in Abu Dhabi after their four-run win over Pakistan in a mindboggling finish to the first test.
After captain Kane Williamson labelled it a great advertisement for test cricket, an emotional man of the match Ajaz Patel said from the dressing room: ‘‘A lot of people are telling me it’s not always like this but I’m going to cherish every moment. I’m never going to forget this day.’’
Neither will too many viewers from back home who stayed up until just before midnight to witness debutant Patel’s cool-headed spell of spin and a madcap Pakistan collapse of 7-41 as they pursued 176.
After a day off – the scheduled fifth day of the test – the Black Caps will reboard the bus on a familiar highway to Dubai, scene of Saturday’s second test.
Not since 1969 when New Zealand won 1-0 with victory in Lahore have they beaten Pakistan in an away test series.
Williamson was quick to sound a note of caution, after rating it one of his side’s best wins for the way they went toe to toe and played the long game against tough opponents.
‘‘It’d be more pleasing if we went further in front and stayed in front. That’s not the game we play,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ve seen how it can ebb and flow in these conditions and wickets can fall in clumps and it can be challenging to start [with the bat]. It’s about trying to keep your composure and implement your gameplan to make a contribution.’’
Exhibit A: the crucial 112-run stand in the second innings between BJ Watling and Henry Nicholls which enabled them to set some kind of target.
Still, both sides suffered spectacular batting collapses with New Zealand losing their last six wickets for 30 in the first innings, then topping it with 6-29 in the second.
When Williamson and coach Gary Stead sit down for selection discussions the focus will go on allrounder Colin de Grandhomme after his batting struggles continued with 0 and 3, and adequate but hardly destructive ‘‘Holy scccchmoly !!!! What a test match!! Well done Mr Patel ... you little rippa.’’ Former NZ fast bowler, now commentator, Danny Morrison.
‘‘A test match to remember for a long time. An outstanding effort from New Zealand to win this.’’ Former Indian batting great VVS Laxman.
‘‘Great game of cricket. Congratulations New Zealand on a remarkable win.’’ Former Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi.
‘‘What a tremendously grounded person Ajaz Patel is.’’ NZ Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson.
‘‘Wow.’’ Former NZ allrounder Andre Adams.
‘‘Brilliant boys.’’ Former NZ captain Brendon Mccullum.
‘‘You little beauty lads.’’ Ex NZ coach Mike Hesson.
medium pace.
The other poser is the spin department where Stead’s vow to rotate his spinners will see Will Somerville in consideration for Ish Sodhi. The legspinner was good at times but too loose at others, although his batting is a plus and he’s a potential stop-gap at seven.