Yesterday Pakistan began a five-match run which could culminate in immortality for what is already the most successful Test unit in the country’s history. The Christchurch Test is step one in the five Tests, two of which will be played in New Zealand and three in Australia next month.
Five is also the number of Tests Australia have lost on the bounce following their defeat against South Africa in the second match of the ongoing series. While a weakened and depleted Australia might be an increasingly tempting - and lucrative - prey, the foundation for any potential successes Down Under would have to be laid in New Zealand.
Sami Adnan
It wouldn't be a surprise if Pakistan's performance in New Zealand and Australia mirrors their showing in the ongoing Test
Pakistan haven’t lost a Test series in New Zealand for 31 years. The visitors haven’t ever been in a better position facing off against New Zealand than they should be this week, having recently been crowned the number 1 side for the first time in history and currently on a two-and-a-half-year unbeaten run in Test series. The last time Pakistan played a Test series in New Zealand, it was six months after the spot-fixing scandal and they returned home 1-0 victors. It was Misbah-ul-Haq’s first series win.
Misbah is now captaining in his 50th Test, becoming the first Pakistani to do so. These might be his two final series, and what a gloriously fitting sendoff it would be if he can add a few more to his already record 24 Test wins.
Pakistan’s pace attack has come under a lot of flak in the recent past, and it is they - the traditional match-winners for the team - who would have to fare better than they have in recent times.
20 months after that spell against Shane Watson, Wahab Riaz is back Down Under. In this time he has displayed patches showcasing why the world went gaga over him in the World Cup. But in New Zealand, where he should play both the Tests, he needs to do more than give us a spell here and there. He needs to lead the fast bowling attack Down Under.
Sarfraz Ahmed
It would be an understatement to say that Mohammed Amir hasn’t exactly taken the cricket world by storm since his return. But he now has the opportunity, and the conditions - just like England - to finally announce his arrival. Maybe working in tandem with a tuned-up Wahab might help his cause.
Pakistan have taken five seamers to New Zealand; the other three being Sohail Khan, Rahat Ali and Imran Khan. The former two would be vying for the third seamer’s slot, with Sohail giving the team the right-hand option, and Rahat offering impeccable control.
The other selection question mark would be between Mohammad Nawaz and Babar Azam. Do Pakistan go with seven batsmen and four bowlers? Or do they play six batsmen, four bowlers and Nawaz as the designated all-rounder?
Nawaz hasn’t done much with either bat or ball to be classified as an all-rounder just yet. And this was in the UAE where batsman could have a ball and spinners received all the purchase they needed.
Asad Shafiq
As discussed last week, it is hard to see Pakistan winning any Test matches anywhere without Yasir Shah taking wickets. If the fast bowlers retain their average form, Pakistan would need him to weave his magic Down Under as well.
Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq should be the Top 5, with Sarfraz Ahmed playing at 6 or 7, depending on Babar Azam’s selection. Sarfraz could hold the key in the given batting conditions and might need to get more out of the tail as well - all of whom are capable of doing a lot more with the bat than they generally do.
Wahab Riaz
Asad Shafiq at number 3 is where we all expect him to see for the rest of his career, and there are few tougher challenges for a one-down batsman than New Zealand’s wickets. Sami Aslam needs two good series to establish himself as Pakistan’s number one opening choice. If not, Pakistan would be back to their perpetual search for openers.
Misbah, Younis and Azhar need to provide stability and ensure Pakistan get off to a solid start in Christchurch. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Pakistan’s performance in New Zealand and Australia mirrors their showing in the ongoing Test.
