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New Zealand Vs Pakistan 1st Test Match 7 Jan Live

Salman ButtA Test series between two troubled teams is about to start. Pakistan are under various on and off field difficulties and New Zealand have never been at ease with the longest format of the game. The first of the two Test matches start at Hamilton from Friday.

These two teams have every reason to have a crack at each other as both desperately need some wins under their belts.

Click for Live Score Card of New Zealand Vs Pakistan

New Zealand after not an ideal but an impressive series in India would be taking heart; also an impressive showing at in the three day tour game would have increased their confidence. Daniel Vettori, after being rested in the T20s is back to lead the side again.

Andy McKay is sidelined after failing to recover from an injury; Darrel Tuffey is included in squad as his replacement. Chris Martin and Tim Southee are the expected starters on January 7, while one of Brent Arnel, James Franklin and Darrel Tuffey will play alongside them.

Batting, that has been a concern for New Zealand for some time now would be boosted by solid performance in India, T20s and tour game. Brendon McCullum cracked a double century in the three day game. After winning the T20 series 2-1 New Zealand have psychological edge over Pakistan. Overall New Zealand are better positioned than Pakistan to go up unassailably 1-0 in the series.

New Zealand have lost three and drawn two out of their last five Tests.

Pakistan showed fight and determination under their new captain Misbah ul Haq. Misbah's form as a captain is also very encouraging. He played a captain's knock of unbeaten 126 in the tour match. Apart from Misbah, Younis Khan's return has powered the middle order.

Umar Akmal's dodgy form may be compensated with the rise of middle order batsman Asad Shafiq, who impressed in the only Test he played against South Africa. In a country where fast bowlers are a plenty, it would be a tough call for the selectors to pick three from Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir and Tanvir Ahmed.

Saeed Ajmal the off spinner has flown home due to his father's death and is expected to miss the Test match. Abdur Rehman will definitely start as the sole spinner, while Mohammad Hafeez's off spins would aid him.

The series is crucial for Pakistan who now haven't won a Test series in over four years. The leadership of Misbah, who leads from the front, is unlike what Pakistan have seen by Younis, Salman Butt and Mohammad Yousaf in the recent times.

Pakistan have won one of their last five Tests, drawn two and lost two.

Tag :- Brendon McCullum   Daniel Vettori   Misbah ul Haq   Mohammad Yousaf   New Zealand   Pakistan   Salman Butt  

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