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Pakistan face tricky selection issues
Lynn McConnell - 14 March 2001

New Zealand rang the changes for the second National Bank Test and it seems that despite an outstanding winning margin of 299 runs Pakistan is also to make changes before tomorrow's first day at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

On an older portable pitch, and one that is likely to have more speed and bounce than the Auckland version, Pakistan is looking to leave out one of its spinners, probably leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed while bringing in Faizal Akhbar.

Also returning to the side will be Inzamam-ul-Haq who suffered a groin injury 12 days ago. He will take the place of Misbah-ul-Haq, according to all popular theories.

There is also an element of intrigue over whether Ijaz Ahmed will come into the side, possibly as an opening batsman in place of Saleem Elahi.

It would be unusual for a winning side to make three changes and Ijaz is probably the player with the least tenuous hopes of inclusion.

Pakistan captain Moin Khan said the side was not yet finalised and it may be tomorrow before a final decision is made.

"The pitch looks a great Test wicket with grass on it and it could seam a bit. It looks a bit softer than the one-day pitch we played on here," he said.

It was likely Pakistan would definitely take three seamers into the match.

"It could be a bit difficult to bat on to start with but later on it will help the batsmen," he said.

"It was such a great victory in Auckland that it is difficult to change the team but the pitch is a bit different and there is enough good experience in the team.

"But it is not a very hard decision," he said.

© CricInfo


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