Cricket: Black Cap Colin de Grandhomme talks his stunning debut

Colin de Grandhomme doesn't say much; he's more an actions rather than words kind of guy.

But when the strongly-built Auckland allrounder speaks it counts, and tonight you sensed a very proud man.

This was a day he'd been striving to achieve since coming to New Zealand from Harare 10 years ago. His reputation has been as a dangerous one-day player but maybe not suited to the longer form.

Try telling him that.

"Obviously I wanted test cricket, that's the ultimate," he said.

"Cricket being cricket, you go through and think you're going to quit, then find something to make you come back and want it more.

"If I could make a test team I'd rather do that than (make) a white ball team."

De Grandhomme admitted hearing the national anthem, and getting his test cap with his good mate Jeet Raval from outgoing New Zealand Cricket president Stephen Boock was an emotional time.

"It was an awesome feeling," he said of receiving his cap.

"During the anthems that was quite nervy and emotional, but otherwise I felt confident on the field."

He's been in contact in the last few days with his parents, Laurence and Sue, back in Harare. He knows they'll be chuffed for him.

Seeing Raval make a bright start to his career gave him pleasure too.

Jeet Raval. Photo / www.photosport.co.nz

"He looks solid and comfortable. Hopefully he kicks on for a big one."

You had a word with him when he got back to the pavilion?

"Yep."

What did you say?

"Good start mate."

If Raval and Henry Nicholls press on tomorrow "hopefully it makes it easier bowling in the second innings".

Pakistan know there's much more cricket left in this test, on this pitch.

"Things didn't go to plan. They bowled very well and exploited the conditions really well," Pakistan opener Azhar Ali said.

De Grandhomme bowled "exceptionally well" he added.

Don't expect Pakistan to fold their cards based on one poor day. Azhar is backing his seamers tomorrow.

"There's enough in the pitch, a lot of grass on it and a lot of moisture. If you hit in that area you're going to get a good result.

"You can always come hard and we believe we can come back tomorrow and pick up one or two wickets. Then the whole scenario changes on that kind of pitch.

"We need to stay focused and keep searching for the opportunities and see where the game takes you."

New Zealand's best test debut bowling performances:

• 6-41, Colin de Grandhomme v Pakistan, Christchurch 2016
• 6-155, Alec Moir v England, Christchurch 1951
• 6-168, Fen Cresswell v England, The Oval, 1949
• 5-55, Tim Southee v England, Napier, 2007-08
• 5-82, Paul Wiseman v Sri Lanka, Colombo, 1997-98
• 5-85, Doug Bracewell v Zimbabwe, Bulawayo 2011-12
• 5-86, Bruce Taylor v India, Kolkata, 1965
• 5-136, Mark Gillespie v South Africa, Centurion, 2007-08