Southee, Wagner leave Pakistan reeling in Hamilton Test

The hosts will resume at Hamilton’s Seddon Park at 2-77 after rain reduced the first day to just 21 overs.

Ross Taylor, who did not bat in the second innings after a having an eye test on the first day in Christchurch, has been cleared to play after seeing a specialist in Hamilton.

It only took three balls from that side of the stumps for Imran to strike, Raval jabbing away from his body, uncharacteristically, and nicking to first slip, where Aslam had given way to the debutant Mohammad Rizwan, who pouched the chance safely by his hip.

Southee blasted through the top of the Pakistani batting order with a handsome off stump line, the ball doing just enough from the pitch to coax three edges that were held by players behind the wicket.

Quizzed about Yasir’s omission after the first day’s play, Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan had to restrain his delight, then on Saturday evening Watling expressed his surprise too.

Left-arm quick Mohammad Amir had started the test in exquisite fashion, sending down some absolute peaches in his first over.

Azam (81 not out) registered his second Test fifty and received good support from Sarfraz Ahmed and Sohail Khan as the visitors managed to reduce the deficit despite losing three wickets in the extended first session.

When Wahab Riaz had Henry Nicholls (13) caught behind, New Zealand was in some trouble at 119 for 5.

Babar anchored the Pakistan innings after batting for more than four and a half hours and surpassing his previous test best of 69.

Uncapped Auckland fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been named in New Zealand’s squad for their one-day series against Australia next month.

Sohail Khan finished with 4-99, Imran with 3-52 and Amir, who had three catches dropped from his bowling, 2-59.

In Boult’s absence, the new ball is likely to be shared by Matt Henry alongside Tim Southee, though the home team has opted to name its XI on the morning of the match.

Sohail, also refused to take a backwards step and made a brisk 37, which included two sixes from successive Wagner deliveries.

Despite Azam’s bold innings to keep Pakistan in the game, the outcome may ultimately be decided by the weather with more rain forecast over the next two days and New Zealand only needing a draw to take the series after winning the first Test.

Colin de Grandhomme looked in fine touch during his silky 37, Watling was a steady presence during his unbeaten 49 and Southee smacked five fours and a six in his 29.