By Jeff McTainsh
The Black Caps have arrived in Wellington still on a high after their nail-biting victory over Pakistan in the first test in Dunedin.
While the win marked a stunning return to test cricket for Shane Bond, the Black Caps believe there is still room for improvement ahead of the second test.
The Black Caps had every reason to be smiling as they arrived in Wellington for the second test; they had just completed their first test victory in more than a year.
“It's been a long time since we've had a test win over a strong cricketing nation,” says Brendon McCullum. “So we'll take a lot of heart from this performance.”
So too will strike bowler Shane Bond, the 34-year-old marked his return to the highest level after a two year absence with a blistering man-of-the-match performance taking eight wickets, adding an X-Factor to the New Zealand attack.
“It was perfect really,” says Bond. “That's why you want to play test cricket because it is a true test.”
A test the Canterbury pace-bowler passed with flying colours, back to his world class best.
Even Pakistan captain Mohammed Yousef was impressed.
“His line is very good and with the speed as well. He is one of the best bowlers I've ever faced.”
It was not just a test of Bond's skill but also his fitness and toughness carrying on after losing a toenail during the match.
While fellow seamer Iain O’Brien played through the pain after dislocating a finger.
“Can't deny the spell by Iain and Shane both bowling eight or nine over spells,” says captain Daniel Vettori. “Just brought us into the game and I thought taking four bowlers in for the three seamers to step up was just fantastic.”
But while the Black Caps’ bowlers proved the difference in Dunedin, there is still plenty of room to improve.
“The guys are still hungry to improve on what we did in this test and I’m sure the batters would love to get some runs in the Wellington one,” says McCullum.
The second test starts at Wellington's Basin Reserve next Thursday, a place New Zealand have never won a test against Pakistan.
3 News.