The Black Caps captain Kane Williamson says he should be fine to play the opening Test against Pakistan starting in Abu Dhabi tonight, although he isn't guaranteeing he'll be in the side.
Kane Williamson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Williamson missed the washed out final ODI in Dubai earlier this week with a minor groin strain.
"Yeh it's okay, obviously a few more days off without playing that last one-dayer, so it's had a bit of time to heal and it should be fine for tomorrow."
Williamson isn't surprised by what he's seen of the Abu Dhabi wicket.
"I had a little look and it's obviously what you'd expect in this part of the world with not a huge amount of grass and perhaps offer the spin bowlers a little bit maybe later on in the game so it looks like it has fairly normal characteristics of a cricket wicket in this part of the world."
Williamson says they won't finalise their eleven until just before the start of play so they can have another look at the wicket.
The main selection issue for the Black Caps is the makeup of their bowling attack.
If they decide to play all rounder Colin de Grandhomme, then there is a chance they'll play just two specialist pace bowlers and two spinners.
Leg spinner Ish Sodhi will play with either of the newcomers Ajaz Patel or Will Sommerville.
Depending on the state of the wicket the Black Caps could play three pace bowlers, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner with Kane Williamson backing up as the second spinner.
New Zealand have won just 10 Test matches of the 55 they have played against Pakistan. Three of those, though, have come the last three times the two have faced off.
The two sides drew the last series played in the UAE in 2014.
"We had a great series last time we were here but that's a long time back. A lot has changed in terms of personnel since then. I think it's important that we adapt with this inexperienced side that we have come with, " said Williamson.
