Kane hoping for pace and bounce

The bright green pitch at the Basin Reserve compelled a number of Bangladesh's members to repeatedly have a look at the wicket prior to the start of the first Test yesterday.

The pitch is one that is bound to test the skills of both the Bangladeshi batsmen and bowlers as they are not used to playing on such kinds of wickets.  The batsmen will need to adjust to the swing and bounce, while the bowlers will need to use the swing and bounce properly. On top of that, they have not had the chance to play a practice match ahead of the two-match Test series.

The conditions, combined with the fact that Bangladesh have gone winless throughout the tour in their stronger formats, puts the Black Caps in a far better position than the visitors. However, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was not taking anything for granted.

 “Certainly throughout the white ball format, Bangladesh put us under pressure in every game and we were able to come through that and get the victories,” Williamson said during the pre-match press briefing.

“We're certainly expecting that again. They're an experienced side, have played all round the world. We know they will provide a stiff challenge so it is important we look to hit our straps early tomorrow."

Williamson was hoping that there would be plenty of pace and bounce in the wicket, attributes that would certainly work against the Bangladeshi batsmen.

 “'It's looks fairly similar [to past Basin Reserve pitches]. Hopefully there's pace and bounce and obviously [it will] do a bit early. It's got that green tinge which is normal here at the Basin. It looks [like a] good surface," he said.

He also hinted that New Zealand would make no changes to the Test eleven.