Green-top for Kiwi-Pak Test

Pakistan has arguably one of the best bowling attacks in Test cricket today with Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami, and likely back-up from the lanky Shabbir Ahmed and legspinner Danish Kaneria, a point acknowledged by the Black Caps.

“This is as good a bowling line-up as there is in world cricket at the moment,” said New Zealand opener Mark Richardson, who faces the daunting task of maintaining or improving his Test average of 49.4. “I’m trying to get my head around how hard it’s going to be to succeed.”

Akhtar has 107 wickets from 28 Tests at 25.1, Sami 26 wickets from 10 Tests at a surprising 44.2, Ahmed 23 from four at 21.1 and Kaneria 62 from 14 at 26.1.

But while acknowledging the lethal strike power that faces them, New Zealand are not conceding favouritism, sensing that the conditions are actually better suited to the home bowlers.

To match their bowling power, Pakistan boast a fine batting line-up, including the exciting young pair of Taufeeq Umar and Imran Farhat, but history suggests they will struggle more than New Zealand on the bowlers’ track at Westpac Park.

“Bounce is crucial for these guys, because in Pakistan the ball doesn’t bounce above knee height,” batsman Craig McMillan said. “We’ve got big tall guys like (Jacob) Oram and (Chris) Cairns who get that extra bounce. If we get that we can put them under some pressure.”