Daily Times

AUCKLAND: Pakistan won’t read anything into New Zealand’s 3-0 test drubbing at the hands of India recently, according to their coach Mickey Arthur, the islander media reported on Monday.

Pakistan are in Nelson preparing for the start of their short tour, which comprises a three-dayer against a New Zealand A side in Nelson starting on Friday, and two tests in Christchurch and Hamilton. Arthur, former coach of his native South Africa and Australia, took over Pakistan last May and helped them to the top of the test rankings. They now sit second behind India.

“I think they’re a very good side at the moment, particularly in their own conditions,” Arthur told Fairfax Media. “I think New Zealand are very well coached. I think it’s going to be a hell of a series…and for the New Zealand public, I think it’s going to be outstanding.”

Pakistan are coming off a 2-2 test series result in England, and a 2-1 victory over the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates, albeit losing the third test a few days ago. Arthur is wary of New Zealand’s seam bowling capabilities in their own conditions. “We’re expecting a sort of trial-by-seam I guess,” Arthur said. (But) we’ve got a very good seam attack as well.

“I think both teams strength lies in the fact we got quality seam and swing bowlers.” Whichever top six batting unit performed better could be the difference between the teams.