A rough few days in Pakistan’s office for the Black Caps.

Common sense would suggest that Pakistan’s first innings with the bat was a foregone conclusion. Both our spinners didn’t look terrible, they both turned the ball a fair bit and even got a bit of bounce but Pakistan are masters of juggling the many threats of spin bowling. While juggling those threats, batting becomes pretty easy.

I understand why Mike Hesson and Brendon McCullum opted to play both Jimmy Neesham and Corey Anderson but I would have loved seeing Neil Wagner charge in. I don’t mind their decision though, hopefully we’ll see the rewards as Neesham and Anderson might have to prove themselves with the bat. I say might because I really want to see the top order do some sort of job, bat a few days type of job.

The Black Caps need to draw this test now. Australia would have crumbled, which automatically puts Pakistan in the box seat. By batting the best part of two days, Pakistan are banking on the Black Caps struggling with the bat so it’s not the job of the Kiwis to knuckle down. This will probably be the most interesting time in the match.

We knew that Pakistan would get runs, our spinners wouldn’t be anything new to them but what the Black Caps do with the bat is the big question. Defend good balls with the bat out in front of the front dog, straight back in to the pitch. Pounce on anything short or over pitched and don’t get bogged down, pick singles up when you can.

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A draw, while the Black Caps will need to pull the rabbit out of the hat to win, a draw is just as good a result. But the joy of test cricket is that you still must play bloody well to get a draw and the kiwis will have to show that they are worthy by battling against the spin and reverse swing. Battlers battling.

McCullum opening? I like it, he’s our most experienced batsmen and has seen it all on these types of pitches as well as allowing Neesham and Anderson to slot in down the order. He’ll also attack when the opportunity is presented which is very important as he will accept when the bowler may be on top, but he’ll fight bloody hard to dominate. Once again, he’s leading from the front.

Here’s hoping