Only in New Zealand.

Test one: v Zimbabwe, Basin Reserve.

Pitch, low, slow best suited to visitors who like to play for a draw.

Test two: v Pakistan, Eden Park.

Pitch, new, untried, low, slow, best suited to visitors with two of the best spin bowlers in the world.

It may be that the new pitch at Eden Park turns out to be the greatest invention since cricket's pioneers decided to play with three wickets instead of two.

But for the meantime New Zealand's front office team, the shop window, are having to play a game on a pitch unsuited to maximising New Zealand's chances of victory.

It may be that New Zealand manages to win this game, that would be a memorable triumph.

The odds are on a draw, unless the New Zealand batsmen conspire to lose 20 wickets in less than even time.

However, if New Zealand is ever to get serious about improving its position on world cricket's ladder, it has to stop serving up conditions better suited to opponents.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming hinted at such when reviewing the first day of play in the test which ended with Pakistan, having been asked to bat by Fleming, on 270/4.

"Home advantage is a big thing these days.

"It is not ideal [the pitch] and it certainly doesn't suit us as much as it does Pakistan.

"But we've still got to do the business on it, that's the bottom line," he said.

Fleming explained the thinking behind taking the traditional New Zealand option of bowling first whenever there is any doubt about pitches.

"It looked quite dry on top and there was a little moisture underneath.

"It is very slow and there is a little bit of wear. There is no pace or carry and that is disappointing on your own patch. I didn't see too much turn out there.

"There were contrasting surfaces out there which makes it difficult for the bowlers to get any rhythm."

The concern over the pitch wasn't any different for Pakistan.

Manager Aizazuddin said:"The state of the wicket was worrying us very much. No-one knew what it was going to do. From the first ball we were all keyed up but our youngsters did very well.

"Our fears didn't come true, they batted very well."

But having seen what happened on the first day he was in no doubt what lies ahead in the game.

"The spinners are going to have a pretty heavy hand in this game. But the boundaries are so short here they will have to bowl a tight line and length," he said.

Only in New Zealand.

© CricInfo