10 Nov 2014

Tough opening day for Black Caps

6:49 am on 10 November 2014

The New Zealand cricketers appeared almost deflated after suffering a long day in the field on the opening day of the first Test against a stubborn Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq batting.

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq batting. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The hosts won the toss and put on 269 for 1 with Ahmed Shazad scoring an unbeaten 126, while his opening partner Mohammad Afeez made 96.

After just 8 overs, Brendon McCullum introduced spin from both ends, and the New Zealand captain was one of 7 bowlers tried during the day.

Batsman Ross Taylor admits the wicket didn't offer anything to the bowlers and concedes it was an incredibly frustrating day in the field.

He says the Black Caps bowlers must find ways to take early wickets tomorrow or risk losing control of the test.

Taylor says the New Zealand batsmen will have to copy the patience shown by the pakistan batsmen when it comes to their first innings.