New Zealand bounce back from the brink

NEW Zealand battled back from a shaky start on day one of the first Test against Pakistan in Hamilton to reach stumps in a respectable position.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq will have been pleased to insert the hosts at 177 for seven with 25 overs still to play only for Kane Williamson (44 not out) and Tim Southee (56no) to compile an unbroken 83-run stand. That helped the Black Caps to 260 for seven by the close, meaning a competitive total remains in their grasp.

Tim McIntosh made just five before falling in the second over when he nicked Tanvir Ahmed to Younis Khan at slip. That brought together Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill, who had an important stand that saw them take the shine from the new ball and pick up a series of boundaries whenever the Pakistan seamers strayed.