New Zealand v Pakistan Test series – 5 Players to watch out for

Pakistan will look forward to maintain their unblemished track in New Zealand when they commence the two-match Test series at Christchurch. Their undefeated streak will be something which will be a huge confidence booster for the visitors. It was way back in 1985 when the last instance of Pakistan losing a Test series in New Zealand occurred. Since then they have won five and drawn three (including one-off Tests). Pakistan’s win-loss record in New Zealand is their best among all opposition teams. In all, they remained unbeaten in 12 consecutive Test series. Winning this series will not only be important for New Zealand historically but will also bring back their Test form on track after getting clean swept in India a few weeks ago. The selectors opted to boot five players from the current team and have given place to three new names in the team. This clearly shows that the focus is on creating a strong bench which can replace out of form players. The Misbah-ul-Haq led side will be very high on confidence after thumping 2 – 1 win in UAE against West Indies. But, more importantly, it will their performances during the England tour that will look upon when they enter the first contest. This series is important from both team’s point of view and therefore there will some individuals, especially from the home side who will the spotlight on them. Take a look at the 5 Players to watch out for in the series: 1.Mohammad Amir: Mohammad Amir of Pakistan. (Photo by Sarah Ansell/Getty Images) Mohammad Amir, the left arm pacer, is yet to make a huge impact in the longest format since his comeback. After making his much-hyped return at Lord’s, the 24-year-old hasn’t bowled in the way he used to previously. In fact, he looked very effective in the limited overs contest earlier this year but failed to emulate those performances with the red ball. While he has managed to pick wickets, an all-out dominating show is still due from him. The conditions in New Zealand will surely assist his style of bowling and it will be really interesting to see how he fares. The last time he was here was way back in 2009. He took 7 wickets in the three matches. 2. Yasir Shah: Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah. (Photo by AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) Yasir Shah, with his impressive bowling performances in England, has proved an important fact that he doesn’t need helpful conditions to defeat the batsman. The leg spinner’s contribution will be very vital and there’s no doubt that Misbah will surely lean on him if his fast bowler fail to create an impact. The entire spin bowling responsibility will be on him with left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz as some support. The surrounding will be very unhelpful and bit tougher than England. This will be yet another big Test for the best leg spinner who is easily the best leg spinner in the world at the moment. 3. Jeet Raval: Jeet Raval (L) of New Zealand with Gary Stead (R) during a New Zealand nets session at Hagley Oval on November 16, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images) The inclusion of opener Jeet Raval in place of Martin Guptill was a big one. The left-handed batsman of Indian origin was first picked in the Black Caps in July and will finally make his Test debut this week against Pakistan. Raval has been in great tough in past couple of seasons and the new of his call-up was making constant round. Raval earned a tour of Africa after averaging 59.8 in Plunket Shield last season, this season the left-hander averaged 40.7 in six Plunket Shield innings. This will be huge series for the free-hitting batsman. 4. Todd Astle: CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 16: Todd Astle of New Zealand throws the ball prior to a New Zealand nets session at Hagley Oval on November 16, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images) The 30-year-old Canterbury all-rounder replaces injured Mitchell Santner in the side and is the only spinner in the squad for the first match of the two-test series. Consistency at the domestic level is what has earned his maiden Test call-up. Ish Sodhi’s departure also played its role. Astle’s taken 91 first-class wickets with his leg-spinners the past two domestic seasons and has nabbed 14 wickets through three Plunket Shield games this season. His 14-wickets are tied for fourth most in the competition and prompted Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen to praise his consistency. In fact, Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur called his selection has ‘interesting’ but also at the same time put up a question on his capability stating how he’ll fare bowling to some of the best players of slow bowling in the world. This fact is absolutely true and makes the leg-spinner job very difficult. Therefore all eyes will be on him when he comes out to bowl at the Hagley Oval. 5. Colin de Grandhomme: Colin de Grandhomme of New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images) Harare-born Colin de Grandhomme is another exciting name who found a place in the team. Given his domestic record and his experience, he will most likely make his Test debut later this week. His father Laurence played 16-first-class games for Zimbabwe. An all-rounder who bowls right-arm medium pacers and is famous for his hard – hitting skills may be the surprise performer for his team. Speaking of domestic record, in 2013-14, he averaged 48 with the bat and 21 with the ball, and last season he scored runs at a decent average of 36. The 30-year-old also has some prior international experience having played five limited over matches in 2012 all against South Africa.

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New Zealand v Pakistan Test series – 5 Players to watch out for

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