New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said if Pakistan’s seam bowling attack can get the ball swinging and their batsman can pile on the runs they can bag their first-ever series against Australia.
New Zealand arrived in Australia for a three-match Victoria Bitter ODI Series having just beaten Pakistan in a Test series for the first time in more than 30 years. While the Black Caps swept Pakistan 2-0 on home soil, Hesson said he saw enough in Australia’s next Test rivals to trouble the hosts, starting with the first Test in Brisbane on December 15.
Pakistan have never beaten Australia in a Test series in Australia, from 11 attempts, losing the past six dating back to 1981.
“If (Pakistan) can get the ball swinging, from a seam attack I think they’ve got a good chance,” Cricket Australia quoted Hesson as saying.
“Amir is a very good bowler but he’s exceptional if he swings it. “That’ll be a challenge for them over here (in Australia).
“The rest of their seam attack will hold their own. “(Pakistan possess) a very, very good spinner. We didn’t see a lot of him in New Zealand due to the conditions, but Yasir Shah is an exceptional bowler. “If he gets on a surface that offers a bit of up and down (bounce) he can challenge the Australian batting line-up.”
Amir and Sohail Khan were the leading wicket-takers for Pakistan recently in New Zealand with both bowlers taking seven wickets in two Tests, while Imran Khan collected six victims in his only Test in Hamilton.
“I think the key is just getting enough runs in these conditions,” Hesson said. “If their top order is able to show the discipline they did in New Zealand that might allow their middle-order stroke-players to play a few shots.
“They’ve got some really nice players in the middle there. Babar (Azam) is an excellent player. (Asad) Shafiq and Sarfraz (Ahmed) can change a game quickly. “There’s enough talent there to certainly put up a good show.”
