McMillan works to address untimely slumps

second time around, although Kane Williamson got a good one. Positive foot movement and judicious use of the sweep shot from Latham, Taylor and Nicholls earned each of them halfcenturies and provided stern resistance for a time. It was just too late.

One thing the Black Caps can cling to is the fact that Pakistan fell in a heap themselves in the first test, losing 7-41 as debutant Ajaz Patel ushered in a shock New Zealand victory by four runs.

As Arthur said: ‘‘I’m hoping that all the demons from the test match in Abu Dhabi are gone. Let’s not forget we played some very good cricket in Abu Dhabi and virtually dominated that test match and lost an hour incredibly badly and lost a test.’’

So we’ve had two tests, and two horror collapses to essentially decide them.

Who blinks first in Abu Dhabi will be fascinating, as New Zealand return to Sheikh Zayed Stadium with happy memories of that victory less than a fortnight ago.