Cricket: NZ in spin about how to counter Pakistanis

By Andrew Alderson in Abu Dhabi

NZ Herald·

14 Nov, 2014 04:00 PM4 mins to read

New Zealand captain Brendon MCullum is dismissed during the first test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Photo / Getty Images

Black Caps have little time to sort out plan of attack and any line-up changes before second test in Dubai

Having been trounced by Pakistan, in what New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum referred to as their "perfect test", the Black Caps now face a conundrum on what to change if they're to be anything more than a soft kill in the second test in Dubai.

New Zealand have two days to concoct better plans to attack Pakistan's batsmen and find an antidote to nullify their spin and reverse swing.

The Australian test late last month at the same venue saw 22 of the 32 wickets fall to spin, so that becomes top priority.

Do they sweep or use their feet? Sweeping seemed to work better than using the feet at Abu Dhabi, albeit the cross-batted option can look awkward and risky. However, the fact even Kane Williamson suffered his first stumping in a test suggests dancing down the wicket can be flawed.

Williamson misjudged a delivery from Mohammad Hafeez, who is one weapon they're likely to deal with less after he was reported for a suspected illegal action. He is allowed to bowl while testing takes place over the next 21 days, but his role might be minimised now the umpires are on alert.

McCullum summed up his concerns about spin by talking of the pressure assessing turn, bounce, skid and drift in a split second with a horde of hungry fielders around the bat. It can morph into a white-flannelled prison where players make rash decisions trying to escape.

However, as coach Mike Hesson pointed out, they've got batting problems elsewhere.

"Spin was a factor [in Abu Dhabi] but we also lost almost half our wickets to seam. When the ball reversed [from Rahat Ali, who took six for 70, and Imran Khan, two for 66], we fell in clumps. Playing the newer ball against the spinners was especially hard but once it got softer it was easier."

While occupying the crease presented a problem, Hesson said the inability to take wickets arguably presented bigger concerns given Pakistan's aggregate of 741 for five across both innings. It effectively means that regardless of the runs New Zealand muster, they mightn't have the personnel capable of levelling the series.

However the bowlers, particularly spinners Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, were betrayed by several botched chances.

Hesson indicated the incumbents would likely return for the second test rather than alternating Tim Southee or Trent Boult with Neil Wagner or Doug Bracewell.

"I thought the seamers bowled pretty well, but they never looked like getting a wicket at times. I don't think necessarily changing people 'on the bus' will make a lot of difference."

McCullum concurred. While expressing overall disappointment, his demeanour was calm.

"Sometimes you've got to admit you were second best, cop it on the chin, reflect on it, but don't over-analyse."

He also made a pointed reference to an outside influence which steered the game from the start: "Hopefully I win the toss next game".

"Strangely enough, I thought there were still a lot of positives to come out of the match. We now know how good Tom Latham can be. He is composed and to get a century in these conditions so early in his career is significant. Ish [Sodhi] got better as game went on with his control and Corey Anderson was good without banging door down."

From a selection perspective, Sodhi and Craig can be locked in for Dubai, given the turn forecast.

Despite the lack of seam impact, expect Boult and Southee to play, too. Test cricket remains the game's premier format and should be respected as such rather than resting them with a World Cup looming.

As for batting, McCullum got decent starts as an opener so remains a candidate; Latham excelled; Williamson and Ross Taylor remain the batting spine and Anderson was solid.

The only change might be replacing Jimmy Neesham with Hamish Rutherford or Luke Ronchi. However, Neesham averages 51 in 10 test innings and to oust him on the basis of one poor performance would be cause for claims of a double standard.