Pakistan seek fresh start to the year

Tourists take on NZ in the first Test today with events in Doha overshadowing proceedings.

While Pakistan may be hoping for a fresh start in the new year, the past will refuse to part company courtesy events in Doha as the team takes the field in New Zealand for the first of the two Tests.

Pakistan have come off a drawn Test series against South Africa – the second-ranked team in the world – and considering the ‘hosts’ were missing two of their best bowlers and under yet another new captain, the result was nonetheless flattering.

However, with different conditions and different opposition, Pakistan’s frail batting line-up – despite the presence of Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan – will be heavily tested in swinging conditions.

Pakistan’s last visit to New Zealand – preceding the whitewash experienced in Australia – resulted in a 1-1 draw with Umar Akmal in the form of his life following his Test debut.

However, not only has Akmal lost his momentum and knack of scoring, Pakistan’s form, too, has dipped. The tourists will also be missing the services of Mohammad Yousuf who was overlooked for the series despite being fully fit.

Captain wants to look ahead

Misbah, who was appointed Test captain prior to the series against South Africa, will look to lead from the front just like he did in the UAE.

Scoring three half-centuries in four innings, Misbah spearheaded his side’s fightback in both Tests as the hosts hung on for draws.

Despite Pakistan’s indifferent form last year, the captain has urged teammates to focus on the job at hand.

“We are not thinking about what has happened in the last 12 months, we are just thinking about today and tomorrow and what is coming next,” said Misbah.

“We are ready for that. We just have to forget everything else and focus on what is coming now.”

Rehman in the frame

Following Saeed Ajmal’s return to Pakistan for his father’s funeral, Pakistan have just one spinner – Abdul Rehman – left in the squad. Rehman, who made his Test debut against South Africa over three years ago, has played just four Tests, taking 20 wickets.

However, the absence of Ajmal means Rehman is almost certain to be included in the starting line-up to provide variety to the tourists’ attack.

Much will also depend on Umar Gul who will, once again, lead the bowling attack in the absence of Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif.

Misbahul Haq

His omission from the tour of England and the consequent recall – and ascent to the helm – has proved beneficial for Misbah. Much will rest on the batsman yet again as he looks to provide the stability to an unreliable top order.

Umar Gul

Gul’s form since his 2009 World Twenty20 heroics has dipped alarmingly. His performance in the five-day format has been below-par and despite his ability to swing and seam the ball, the wickets have not come consistently.

Brendon McCullum

With a double-century in a warm-up match against the Pakistanis, McCullum looks in prime form after a much-needed break in the Twenty20s. Explosive in all formats, McCullum will look to exploit the tourists’ rather weak bowling attack.

Daniel Vettori

New Zealand captain missed the Twenty20 series but shone in the warm-up match and will look to attach Pakistan’s uncertainty against a left-arm spinner as shown by Ashley Giles and Paul Harris. His batting, too, will remain a worry for Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2011.