Shane Bond returns to Test cricket today after an absence of over two years as New Zealand look for a positive start to their home series against Pakistan.
Fast bowler Bond, 34, will spearhead their attack in Dunedin after ending his association with the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League.
He could find himself in opposition to Pakistan pace prospect Mohammad Aamir, who is only half Bond’s age.
“Aamir’s been a bit of a find for them,” said Bond.
“We’ve had some troubles with left-armers in the past, so we need to nullify someone young and enthusiastic like him.”
The two sides recently faced each other in Abu Dhabi – with Pakistan winning both Twenty20 matches after the Kiwis had taken the 50-over series by a 2-1 margin.
But five-day cricket will present both with an entirely new challenge as they look to improve their current standings in the ICC Test rankings.
Pakistan, who are currently sixth, will be led by Mohammad Yousuf after regular skipper Younus Khan was given permission to take a break from the game.
Their squad has a blend of youth, represented by Aamir and batsman Umar Akmal, and experience but they have not won a Test match since beating South Africa in January 2007.
“We have the kind of bowling attack that we can get 20 wickets and this is what you need.
“But as far as batting is concerned I think we will have to be very, very careful,” said Yousuf, who also spent time away from Tests because of his former ICL connection.
New Zealand have similar problems and are likely to name only four bowlers in their side with Bond joined by Chris Martin, Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori.
“We have to be honest and acknowledge our batting hasn’t been as good as we’d like,” said Vettori, who is currently filling the dual role of captain and coach.
“We go into a Test match with six batters – their role is to bat – none of them have to worry about bowling.”
He added: “Four bowlers means an increased workload for me, but I think that’s a good thing.”
The series will be played with the decision review system (DRS) in place, allowing players to ask for any decision made by the on-field umpires to be scrutinised using video technology.
Teams are, however, only permitted to make two unsuccessful review requests per innings.
“This system will help alleviate the problems created when mistakes – which appear obvious on replays – are made,” said International Cricket Council general manager Dave Richardson.
“The system allows television technology to be used in a way that will not result in too many delays, will not de-skill the umpires and will take some pressure off the umpires.
“The fact is that trials showed that the system improved player behaviour and led to a significant reduction in the number of umpiring errors,” he added.
New Zealand (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Grant Elliott, Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond, Iain O’Brien, Daryl Tuffey, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel.
Pakistan (from): Mohammad Yousuf (captain) Salman Butt, Khurrum Manzoor, Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Abdur Rauf, Umer Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed.
