McCullum leads cautious start for New Zealand

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HAMILTON: Brendon McCullum steered New Zealand to a cautious 78 for one at lunch on the opening day of the first cricket Test against Pakistan at Seddon Park here Friday.

McCullum was on 42 with Martin Guptill on 29 after Pakistan won the toss and put New Zealand into bat under overcast skies that offered the bowlers some movement.

However, the cloud cover proved only temporary and towards the end of the two-hour session the bowlers were getting little assistance.

Although the attack lacked sting, it was an uncharacteristically restrained innings from McCullum, despite his 42 including seven boundaries, as New Zealand looked to consolidate after the early dismissal of Tim McIntosh for five.

McIntosh, who was not required for the Twenty20 internationals in recent weeks, looked out of touch and only faced six balls before he prodded at a delivery from Tanvir Ahmed and edged the ball to Younis Khan at second slip.

McCullum also lacked conviction early on and kept the slip cordon interested but luck was on his side.

He survived a run out appeal on nine and appeared to have been caught behind by Adnan Akmal off Wahab Riaz when on 34 but the appeal was rejected by umpire Rob Tucker.

Tanvir Ahmed, the only successful wicket-taker, was one for 20 off seven overs while the more economic Wahab Riaz was none for 15 off seven.