Kiwis keen to ‘beat the heat’ in Tests

“We can’t do anything about the heat but we will try to manage it the best possible way we can, keeping the fluid intake very high and conserving energy,” New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said. “It’s getting hotter and it’s going to be one of the factors in the outcome of the game.”

Both teams will ask match referee Mike Procter of South Africa for additional water breaks and leniency on the over rate to counter the blistering heat.

The New Zealanders have faced major injury problems over the past year. Ace all-rounder Chris Cairns has suffered from a recurring problem which saw him bow out of the current tour.

Another all-rounder, Dion Nash, has suffered back problems and pace bowler Shane O’Connors has been sidelined by multiple injuries to his foot. New Zealand’s new find, fast bowler Shane Bond, also missed the home series against England and the Pakistan tour due to a foot injury. Dashing opener Nathan Astle returned home after playing two one-day games here with a torn knee ligament.

“Losing key players is disappointing but we know what to do to compete with Pakistan and we are ready for that,” said Fleming, who is one of the only two surviving members of New Zealand’s team which toured Pakistan in 1996-97.