(TEA DAY ONE)
Appropriately the 50th test at the Basin Reserve was delayed by rain so that the entire first session was not played. Equally appropriate were the conditions when play started - windy and cold
The ball moved around but the bowlers did not have the control of line and length required to exploit it - Chris Martin in particular struggled
The openers got through the first spells and began to look very secure until O'Brien got the breakthrough 60-1
This became 66-3 as Vettori struck twice and importantly dismissed Yousuf for a duck with an arm ball that trapped the PAK captain on the crease
OBSERVATIONS
- Umar Akmal, after scoring a debut century last week, was shifted to no. 3 in the batting in a odd decision given the conditions, but he is still there at TEA and his wicket will be required quickly if NZ wish take the advantage
- Vettori is bowling very well, his variation of pace and flight was very good but the field placements for his own bowling are very defensive
- Simon Doull in commentary noted that bowlers must be prepared 'to be driven at the Basin' and I didn't see enough of this till the last 20 minutes
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