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

4. Todd Astle:

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.