Daniel Vettori’s inclusion in a three pronged spin attack is the major talking point of the third and final match of the New Zealand v Pakistan cricket series beginning tonight.
As one of New Zealand’s most experienced cricket players he’ll be expected to impart his significant nous on developing spinners Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, in addition to increasing the side’s chances of taking twenty wickets.
Vettori who has indicated this test is simply a sojourn, will be asked to bat at number six in place of Jimmy Neesham and get through about 10-15 overs with the ball per day.
The surprise inclusion comes about due to the barren looking Sharjah pitch – the lack of grass has New Zealand questioning their ability to take wickets with the bowling attack that was used in the first two tests.
Pakistan won’t mind dry pitches though. Despite playing the majority of the second cricket test from behind, the number three ranked side still lead the series 1-0. To keep hold of their ranking in the ICC Test Cricket charts Pakistan require a series win and will look to series leading wicket-takers Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar to achieve it.
The Last Time These Two Met
In Dubai’s drawn second test, New Zealand acquitted themselves much better than in the first test and than most of their sub-continent performances. However the second innings again showed slow blowing frailties and their top order’s susceptibility to collapse.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1. Tom Latham, 2 Brendon McCullum (capt), 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Corey Anderson, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Daniel Vettori, 8 Mark Craig, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Tim Southee 11 Trent Boult
Pakistan (likely): 1 Shan Masood, 2 Taufeeq Umar, 3 Azhar Ali, 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 6 Asad Shafiq, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), 8 Yasir Shah, 9 Ehsan Adil/Imran Khan, 10 Zulfiqar Babar, 11 Rahat Ali
The Key Players
Kane Williamson – The New Zealand number three has had a wretched series thus far, however his three previous sub-continent centuries prove his enduring class. Betfair have him as a $4.40 favourite to top score in the New Zealand first innings and he shapes as a key contributor.
Misbah-ul-Haq – It’s not often the Pakistan captain plays a cricket match and scores less 30 in both innings, but that was the case in Dubai. Look for the skipper to bounce back strongly using either of his batting tempos. At Betfair, Misbah is at $5 to top score in the first dig.
The Odds*
Pakistan – $1.96
Draw – $2.5
New Zealand – $6.25
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Luxbet
The Prediction
We’re expecting Vettori to bring solidity to all aspects of New Zealand’s game. That won’t be enough to have them winning on a pitch without a single blade of grass, but we do think they’ll manage another fighting draw.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
