Rain interrupts third day of Hamilton Test

Hamilton-Either wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan or dashing opener Sharjeel Khan are likely to replace Misbah-ul-Haq in the batting order when Pakistan face a resurgent New Zealand in the second and final test in Hamilton without their inspirational skipper.

Tim Southee’s opening three-over spell went for 32 and Sarfraz was a happy pulled and cutter when the chance presented. “Hopefully I can come back and get back to the form I was in a few years ago”, he added.

Pakistan performed better in the second innings scoring 171 and setting New Zealand 105 to win, with the total being knocked off in just 31.3 overs for the loss of two wickets.

Taylor said he had some problems with his vision during the first Test against Pakistan – he scored 11 in his only innings – but after visiting specialists and receiving medication he felt that it was more mental.

The 22-year-old, in only his third Test, was not out on 90, surpassing his previous Test best of 69 on debut against the West Indies last month. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to the operation, given what it entails, but I’m sure I’ll get over it”, Taylor was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

However, he was thankful to the lower order batsmen offered resistance that got them over 200.

Sohail defended Pakistan’s decision to omit leg-spinner Yasir Shah in favour of an all-pace attack.

Sohail, who contributed 37 off the 67 runs added for the seventh wicket, had to depart when a shortish delivery from Southee squared him up, inducing an outside edge that was held by the keeper.

Asad Shafiq (23) and Babar Azam (34 not out) came to the crease and provided some welcome relief, putting on a 39-run fourth-wicket stand. Four balls later, Tom Latham missed with a shy at the stumps as Sarfraz slipped during an aborted single attempt.

Taylor advanced by seven runs to 37 when he was out showing a lack of foot movement to a Sohail ball that cut back and was edged through to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Pakistan’s new captain Azhar Ali had begun the day by winning the toss and was delighted to give his seamers first use of a bright green pitch at Seddon Park.

After hitting a quickfire 29 from 28 balls – with five fours and a six – as New Zealand posted 271 in their first innings, Southee (3-26) then dismissed Sami Aslam (5), Azhar Ali (1) and Younis Khan (2) in quick succession to leave the tourists reeling at 12-3.

When going out to bat in their second innings just one ball was possible before rain finished the day off for good.