New Zealand 77-2 as rain brings early lunch

Pakistan’s batting sensation Babar Azam’s fighting 81 run unbeaten knock helped Pakistan to salvage their first innings in the second Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Sunday.

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New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan by a knee injury.

He said: ” I remember that innings well – I played good, positive cricket.

Riaz’s inclusion could be timely in conditions that are likely to aid swing and seam bowling, but Pakistan will want its batsmen to step up too.

Jeet Raval, dropped on four and 40 by Sami Aslam at first slip, progressed to 55 when he nicked Imran Khan to Mohammad Rizwan who had taken up the position beside the wicketkeeper.

Williamson survived a tricky caught and bowled chance to Amir before getting off the mark, then produced a coupe of splendid drives through the off-side, before he was undone on unlucky 13.

New Zealand have spinner Mitchell Santner back in their squad after recovering from a wrist fracture while Dean Brownlie, whose last Test was in 2013, was recalled as cover for Ross Taylor after a growth was detected in his left eye.

Watling continued to hold firm but Pakistan blitzed the hosts early into the final session, Mohammad Amir (2-59) and Imran claiming the final two wickets.

“I think that left and right-hand combination is important. Sometimes they can be a little bit slow adjusting to the different lines”.

Ross Taylor (37) cold add just eight to his overnight score before he was caught behind off Sohail Khan.

They had initially slumped to 51-5 late on Saturday.

Pakistan dropped something of a surprise in naming four quick bowlers for Hamilton and dropping unsafe spinner Yasir Shah.

The Kiwis are already 1-0 up in the two-match series after winning the first Test at Christchurch by 8 wickets.

DRS in spotlight: The decision review system (DRS) was the major talking point at the end of first day’s play following the dismissal of Williamson.

Pakistan put on 124 runs but lost three wickets in the morning session after starting the day in deep trouble at 5-76, Babar on 34.

New Zealand managed to pick up the first wicket of the day when Neil Wagner struck soon after Azam crossed fifty, dismissing Sarfraz for a 44-ball 41.

There would be some assistance with the new ball but that would disappear as it got older.