Black Caps’ top order in early trouble in first session

AUCKLAND: It is a new test cricket season for the Black Caps — but they soon found themselves in a familiar situation.

In the opening session of their first test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the Black Caps headed to lunch at 813, with hopes of a strong first innings score appearing to rely heavily on captain Kane Williamson, who was not out on 40.

Williamson had won the toss and decided to bat first — history indicating that losses are rare for teams who bat first in Abu Dhabi. However, this Pakistan side has reached new heights in recent times, including a dominant home series win over Australia last month.

Their main strike bowler, Mohammad Abbas, owns the best bowling average of anyone to have taken 50 test wickets since 1900, and he showed his danger by removing Jeet Raval early.

Abbas is a curious bowler — he rarely gets above 130km/h — but uses his considerable height and incessant line and length to frustrate opposing batsmen.

He got the better of Raval in that exact style, hammering away outside off stump before Raval finally took the bait, getting the edge through to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed for seven.

At the other end, spin was introduced in the eighth over, and it soon proved profitable. After seeing off the new ball, Tom Latham tried to clip Yasir Shah through the legside, but could only offer the simplest of catches to Mohammed Hafeez at short midwicket. Off he trudged for 13 from 38 balls — having undone all his solid work, and furious at a soft dismissal to a ball that offered little threat.

Shah then made things worse for the Black Caps, dismissing Ross Taylor for two.

Henry Nicholls joined his captain, and survived a few nervous moments against the spinners to go to the break on 15.

Spin is likely to play a major part in the test on the low and slow wicket, and the Black Caps opted for two spinners, giving a debut to 30yearold Ajaz Patel, who will partner Ish Sodhi.

Tim Southee was the unlucky seamer to miss out, with Trent Boult and Neil Wagner preferred, and Colin De Grandhomme to be used as the third seamer.

The third spin option in the squad, Will Somerville, must wait to make his debut. — NZME