Nicholls wary of Pakistan bowling revival in Hamilton

It had been in Hamilton – just under six years ago – that Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy had really got off the ground. On a track that had started out with a little pace and carry, Pakistan restricted New Zealand to 275, then put on 367 themselves. With the first innings having ended only just before tea on day three, the match appeared to be heading to a fifth day – even a draw on the cards, perhaps.

This would not do for Pakistan’s attack.

Spinner Abdur Rehman made the first second-innings incision, removing Tim Macintosh soon after tea. Then, in one session of searing reverse-swing, Wahab Riaz and Umar Gul tore New Zealand apart, tailing balls into pads, roughing batsmen up with short balls, and taking four wickets for a single run at one stage. The quicks shared 6 for 66 between them, and Rehman claimed three for himself, while New Zealand lost 10 wickets for 74 in a 27-over stretch that would go on to define the series. This was Misbah’s first of what is currently 24 Test wins as captain.

Pakistan may be missing both Misbah and Rehman on this trip …

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