Pakistan 566-3, 175-2
New Zealand 262, 174-8
The New Zealand cricket team's second innings capitulation overnight on the fourth day of the first test suggests the chasm in ability is wide compared to Pakistan; an ominous sign with two matches remaining in the series.
Sure, Pakistan play to their strengths at 'home': there's a dry wicket which decays in their spinners' favour; their top order appears immune to problems against spin; and they're prepared to gamble that whoever wins the toss, the opposition will discover the meaning of 'cricketing adversity' regardless.
New Zealand have had four months to prepare since their last test, the victory which clinched the series in the West Indies. A first away series triumph in 12 years against a top eight nation was cherished. This performance has been a retrograde step.
After the third day, when Tom Latham had gutsed his way to a maiden test century, he spoke about the team having "a lot of character, which we can put to the test in next few days".
New Zealand 262, 174-8
The New Zealand cricket team's second innings capitulation overnight on the fourth day of the first test suggests the chasm in ability is wide compared to Pakistan; an ominous sign with two matches remaining in the series.
Sure, Pakistan play to their strengths at 'home': there's a dry wicket which decays in their spinners' favour; their top order appears immune to problems against spin; and they're prepared to gamble that whoever wins the toss, the opposition will discover the meaning of 'cricketing adversity' regardless.
New Zealand have had four months to prepare since their last test, the victory which clinched the series in the West Indies. A first away series triumph in 12 years against a top eight nation was cherished. This performance has been a retrograde step.
After the third day, when Tom Latham had gutsed his way to a maiden test century, he spoke about the team having "a lot of character, which we can put to the test in next few days".