Arthur: Top orders will be the difference
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur feels the efforts of the top order batting will be the difference between his side and New Zealand in the upcoming Tests.
The South African feels the sides have similar strengths in the bowling department, especially in terms of pace, so thinks whichever top six does best will decide the series.
The Black Caps come into the series on the back of defeats against South Africa and India, but Arthur is not taking them lightly, even though his side are in winning form.
Arthur said on Stuff: “The difference could lie in which of the top six batsmen batting units are going to perform better because I think both teams’ strength lies in the fact that we’ve got quality seam and swing bowlers.
“I think New Zealand are very well coached. I think they’re a very good side at the moment, particularly in their own conditions.
“The recent series defeat would have fired up New Zealand to make a comeback and be better in their own conditions, which they certainly will be.
“I think it’s going to be one hell of a series…and for the spectators in New Zealand, I think it’s going to be outstanding.”
Latest
-
NewsJake Libby earns draw as Somerset, Hampshire and Gloucestershire open with wins
Worcestershire opener Libby made the second-longest Championship innings ever and was on the field for every ball of the match.
-
NewsJofra Archer to find out whether he could feature in IPL next week
Archer has already been ruled out of the initial stages of the tournament after undergoing surgery to remove glass from his finger last month.
-
NewsStuart Broad would support social media boycott as racist abuse continues online
Some football teams and players have taken a break from social media.
-
NewsSnow hits Glamorgan hopes as Rory Burns and Ben Foakes shine for Surrey
Burns made 74 and England team-mate Foakes an unbeaten 81 for Surrey against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
-
NewsICC Player of the Month nominations for March announced
Winners of the player of the month awards will be announced every second Monday of the month on the ICC’s digital channels.
-
NewsBilly Root overshadows brother Joe as England captain suffers against Glamorgan
The visitors closed the second day with the upper hand at Headingley.
-
NewsSadiq Khan hoping to attract future IPL matches to London
London has staged NFL, MLB and NBA matches in London in the past and the London Mayor hopes IPL matches can also be staged in the capital.
-
NewsDan Lawrence shows early touch as Essex start strongly in Championship
There were big hundreds for Sam Robson, Tom Haines and James Vince.
-
NewsSachin Tendulkar thanks medical staff after returning home from hospital
Tendulkar was admitted to hospital last week after revealing he had tested positive for Covid-19 and had been in quarantine at home.
-
NewsNew Zealand name squad for their Test tour of England
New Zealand have named a 20-player squad for their tour of England, with three uncapped prospects in the group.