Pakistan's Pace Boosted As ODIs Return To The Basin

The depleted Black Caps are wary of Pakistan's boosted left-arm pace attack for the three-match one-day series starting today.

Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali have joined the tourists' squad who are without all rounder Shahid Afridi for the ODIs, while recent debutant Henry Nicholls and the recalled Colin Munro are in contention to fill the void at number four in the New Zealand side.

All-rounder Grant Elliott disagrees Taylor's absence puts more heat on the middle order to shine.

"It's unfortunate what's happened to Ross, but that always creates opportunity for guys to step up. We've got a lot of experience in this team."

Elliott faced the 2.16m tall Irfan at Westpac Stadium last summer.

"I think I made the comment that it was like batting on a trampoline. It's a different proposition, the height that he comes from is very different so it takes a bit of getting used to."

Henry Nicholls says getting his debut in the national team during the Sri Lanka series has only motivated him to strive for more game time.

"For me personally, in my game, I took a lot from that series in how I plan to go about it again if I do get another opportunity."

Game one is due to get underway at a packed-out Basin Reserve from 11am - the first ODI at the ground in 11 years.

Radio Sport