New Zealand all out for 271 in second Test against Pakistan

An entire session was washed out after that and Pakistan managed to add just 16 more runs when play began.

Taylor said he had had the pterygium for about five years but it really only flared up during New Zealand’s tour of Australia last year.

Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club’s Colin de Grandhomme – pictured here in his Auckland Aces colours – has notched up a brilliant record on his debut for the Black Caps.

The 22-year-old was considered a special talent at age-group level and announced himself on the global stage last month with three consecutive centuries in Pakistan’s one-day series against the West Indies.

The onus will now fall on stand-in skipper Azhar Ali, Younis Khan and Sarfraz Ahmed to deliver the goods with the bat.

Babar and wicketkeeper Sarfraz helped themselves to 32 runs from Tim Southee’s first three overs. That ball, however, would eventually play a part in his dismissal.

Pakistan had blazed 85 runs at a cost of only one wicket in the first 1-1/4 hours of an extended morning session. After Sarfraz departed, Sohail Khan continued the momentum.

New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan believes it will nearly be a first day pitch.

Taylor, who is scheduled to undergo surgery at the end of the Test to remove a growth in his left eye, looked untroubled as he hit six boundaries in his unbeaten 20-ball 29.

Azam also drew praise from Southee who said the way he handled the seaming conditions was promising for Pakistan.

That result – the first time Pakistan has lost the first Test in its past seven series – gave New Zealand a strong chance of winning a home series against Pakistan for the first time since 1985. New Zealand openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham walked out to bat, but after just one delivery from Mohammad Aamer, it started pouring. However, he made an impressive comeback and claimed three more wickets during the day, finishing off with the figures of six for 80.

For New Zealand, things will be challenging as well.

“The way the four seamers in particular got into spells, held their areas for long periods. was world class and it certainly was a huge effort”, said captain Kane Williamson.

New Zealand are looking to wrap up what would be their first test series win against Pakistan since 1985, while the visitors are fighting to keep intact a streak of undefeated test series which now stands at seven.

On the face of it, 271 might not seem wholly intimidating, but in the bowler-friendly circumstances it represented something much larger.