Cricket: Paceman back for Pakistan

Adam Milne has returned to fitness and could face Pakistan. Photo / Getty

Black Caps seamer Adam Milne has recovered from his side strain and could come in to the side to meet Pakistan at Westpac Stadium in Wellington tomorrow.

Milne's express pace is coveted by the New Zealand coaching staff and the 22-year-old has been carefully managed of late after he tweaked his side during a match against Sri Lanka in Nelson 10 days ago.

"We are pretty pleased with where he's at," Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said this morning. "He's going well and he'll be considered for selection on Saturday."

The Black Caps finished their seven-match series against Sri Lanka with a 34-run loss in Wellington last night but took the series 4-2. Their attention has quickly turned to Pakistan though who they will meet in two matches as part of their World Cup build-up.
The first match of that mini-series is at the Cake Tin tomorrow before they clash again in Napier on Tuesday.

Struggling opener Martin Guptill, who made three ducks during the series against Sri Lanka, will be persevered with against Pakistan as the 28-year-old looks to find some form.

"I think Gup needs to keep batting and he'll find his rhythm sooner rather than later, I'm sure," Hesson said. "He's a quality player.

"Martin hasn't got a huge amount of runs recently but we've got a lot of confidence in his ability. It's very difficult to have all your batsmen firing at the same time."

Guptill sets the tone for New Zealand in the field, which has helped him contribute to the side, but there's no denying he needs more time in the middle to boost his confidence with the World Cup looming.

"He's still in a good space and anyone's capable of missing out two or three times but we still think he's a good player," Hesson said.

After sitting out last night's game, skipper Brendon McCullum seems likely to return tomorrow to open the batting with Guptill at the expense of Tom Latham. Left-arm paceman Trent Boult may also be given another gallop.

While various players have been rested during the series, Hesson said it was less likely that all-rounder Corey Anderson and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi would be given a break given they hadn't experienced the heavy diet of test cricket that some players had during the summer.

With regards to the series against Pakistan, Hesson said his side needed to be more disciplined in the bowling department after a loose display in the final outing against Sri Lanka.

"We weren't as good as we needed to be with the ball yesterday," Hesson said. "We put a bit of pressure on ourselves and we want to step up there tomorrow."

As for the batting, he offered: "We want to see that top order set that platform that's been so invaluable for us."