KARACHI: New Zealand captain Tim Southee expects Pakistan to bounce back from a 3-0 home Test run at the hands of an aggressive England side, saying on Sunday his men will find their own way to victory injured hosts.
England handed Pakistan their first-ever home Test 3-0 earlier this week, cementing the reputation of their ultra-aggressive new style of Test cricket – coined ‘Bazball’ after the coach’s nickname – Chief Brendon McCullum.
The Kiwis face Pakistan in the first game of a two-game series in Karachi on Monday.
Southee described England’s victory as “impressive and incredible”, but said his side would find their own strategy to take on Pakistan.
“I think England played an amazing style of cricket and to come here and win three Tests and the way they did it was very impressive,” Southee said on Sunday.
“It seems to be working for them (England) so we’ll try to find ways that have worked for us and hopefully put in a performance that works for us.”
Southee, taking over as Test captain from Kane Williamson, said conditions in Pakistan would be likely to suit the spin.
“I think when you come to this part of the world you tend to think the spinners will have more impact,” Southee said. “But there is also a place for rhythm.”
New Zealand have only won one Test series in Pakistan, in 1969.
The last time they played a Test in Pakistan was in 2002, with Pakistan’s “home” series meanwhile mostly played in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns.
The Kiwis have dominated Pakistan in recent competitions, winning their last three series against them – twice in New Zealand (2016 and 2020) and once in the United Arab Emirates in 2018.
Southee said he expected Pakistan to recover from the laundering.
“Pakistan are a very good team, especially in these conditions,” Southee said.
Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has promised his team will come back strong.
“Yeah, we couldn’t execute what we wanted in the last series, but I believe in my team and my players that we can stage a strong comeback,” Azam said.
The Pakistan captain said he was unfazed by recent changes to the Pakistan Cricket Board, with Ramiz Raja sacked as chairman and replaced by a management committee on Thursday.
Head coach Mohammad Wasim was also sacked, replaced by former player Shahid Afridi.
“Things have changed in the last two or three days, but as professionals you have to deal with such things,” said Azam, whose captaincy is also under scrutiny.
“Our job is to put in the effort on the court, to perform and to apply the best we have. Those things are off the ground and we are fully focused on the court on how to win the games and the playoffs.”
The second Test of the series, which was to be played from January 2, was moved to Karachi due to foggy weather in Multan, where it was to be played.
England handed Pakistan their first-ever home Test 3-0 earlier this week, cementing the reputation of their ultra-aggressive new style of Test cricket – coined ‘Bazball’ after the coach’s nickname – Chief Brendon McCullum.
The Kiwis face Pakistan in the first game of a two-game series in Karachi on Monday.
Southee described England’s victory as “impressive and incredible”, but said his side would find their own strategy to take on Pakistan.
“I think England played an amazing style of cricket and to come here and win three Tests and the way they did it was very impressive,” Southee said on Sunday.
“It seems to be working for them (England) so we’ll try to find ways that have worked for us and hopefully put in a performance that works for us.”
Southee, taking over as Test captain from Kane Williamson, said conditions in Pakistan would be likely to suit the spin.
“I think when you come to this part of the world you tend to think the spinners will have more impact,” Southee said. “But there is also a place for rhythm.”
New Zealand have only won one Test series in Pakistan, in 1969.
The last time they played a Test in Pakistan was in 2002, with Pakistan’s “home” series meanwhile mostly played in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns.
The Kiwis have dominated Pakistan in recent competitions, winning their last three series against them – twice in New Zealand (2016 and 2020) and once in the United Arab Emirates in 2018.
Southee said he expected Pakistan to recover from the laundering.
“Pakistan are a very good team, especially in these conditions,” Southee said.
Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has promised his team will come back strong.
“Yeah, we couldn’t execute what we wanted in the last series, but I believe in my team and my players that we can stage a strong comeback,” Azam said.
The Pakistan captain said he was unfazed by recent changes to the Pakistan Cricket Board, with Ramiz Raja sacked as chairman and replaced by a management committee on Thursday.
Head coach Mohammad Wasim was also sacked, replaced by former player Shahid Afridi.
“Things have changed in the last two or three days, but as professionals you have to deal with such things,” said Azam, whose captaincy is also under scrutiny.
“Our job is to put in the effort on the court, to perform and to apply the best we have. Those things are off the ground and we are fully focused on the court on how to win the games and the playoffs.”
The second Test of the series, which was to be played from January 2, was moved to Karachi due to foggy weather in Multan, where it was to be played.
