New Zealand v Pakistan, 1st Test Day 1: 5 Talking Points

A magnificent spell of bowling from the impressive Colin de Grandhomme saw New Zealand take the initiative and impress with some tremendous swinging abilities. While Grandhomme’s bowling was making things happen for the Kiwis, the Pakistani batsmen fell like a pack of cards, something that has not happened as many times as one would have expected.

Moreover, the fact of the matter remained that Misbah-ul-Haq was yet again the lone crusader as he was perhaps the only Pakistan batsman who made an attempt to acclimatize to the conditions. Jeet Raval’s debut was also something that was a highlight as he fought off Mohammad Amir and Shoail Khan to secure his first half-century in Test cricket.

1. Wet outfield encourages pacers to exploit conditions

The previous day, the first day’s play saw the entire day well and truly washed out when the Tsunami covers and other such attributes made play impossible on the first day at the Hagely oval. However, with the overcast conditions prevailing on the day, it seemed quite clear that the conditions would be as good as perhaps the first day would have been.

In spite of little or no grass on the 22-yard strip, it was quite clear that the seam conditions would be a bowler’s paradise to say the least. This was also important when it came to New Zealand winning the toss and opting to field first.

2. Colin de Grandhomme impresses with the swinging ball

Colin de Grandhomme is making a comeback to the New Zealand Test side after a long time. This however, had little or no effect on his abilities with the ball in the Test match level when he impressed with some immaculate swing bowling. Needless to say, Grandhomme was unplayable on the day. Perhaps, it was only Misbah-ul-Haq who was able to make some headway against him.

Colin de Grandhomme concluded with figures of 6/41 in the 15 overs that he bowled on the day as he claimed the important wickets of Youis Khan, Babar Azam, andAsad Shafiq, something that he will hold in high regard for the rest of his life.

3. Pakistan batsmen fall and roll over like nine pins

While one certainly gies credit to the fact that the Kiwis made fantastic amends with the new ball and on the day, it was clear that the Pakistani batsmen certainly did not apply themselves to say the least. Some of the batsmen were out to quite ordinary shots.

For example, the wickets of Younis Khan and Babar Azam could have well been avoided had they minded their off stump. While the delivery that got Sami Aslam out was something amazing, it was clear that it would take something special to make amends with the bat for the Kiwis.

4. Jeet Raval impresses on debut

Jeet Raval was one of the debutants on the day apart form Todd Astle. However, one of the features of Raval’s batting was the steadfastness he exhibited whilst batting. He managed to stroke the ball well while not getting too carried away by the fact that he was facing some of the best bowlers in the world. In addition, he also managed a half-century on debut, something not many have managed so far. He also remained unbeaten on the day and now stands on the precipece of an impressive ton.

5. Kiwis conclude the day on the upper hand

The Kiwis concluded the day on the upper hand as they have seven wickets in hand, something that they will take a huge confidence from. It is ironic simply due to the fact that the Kiwis were on the receiving end of a massive amount of flak following the terrible time they had in India. Moreover, now, should they claim a win in the Test series, New Zealand has a serious chance to climb back up the rankings into the third position, something that they have not been optimistic about in recent times.