Able duo put positive spin on things

Ish Sodhi was the best New Zealand bowler in the heavy first-test defeat to Pakistan. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's test spinning ranks are into their third year of the time classification known as PV (Post-Vettori) and off-spinner Mark Craig and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi are showing signs of promise.

It might seem barmy saying that, when the bowlers took just five wickets during the 248-run first test loss in Abu Dhabi this week, the equal fewest by a New Zealand side in a test against Pakistan.

However, watching the pair toil through the overs and seeing their frustration at enduring a missed stumping and several dropped catches, makes you realise the perseverance required, especially against Pakistan's spin-savvy batting line-up. They're so reliant on others' hands to secure their future.

Sodhi's first innings figures of one for 162 off 43 overs look grim, yet he was the most potent Kiwi bowler. In fact, he remains the country's best bowling hope for the next decade on the Subcontinent.

Similarly, Craig is one of the country's best selection bolters. In the West Indies, he usurped Sodhi as the primary spinner with his aggressive style, maximising bounce.

Sodhi got the edge back in Abu Dhabi, courtesy of his well-disguised googly and a candidate for best ball bowled by a New Zealand leg-spinner to clip the top of Azhar's off stump.

Coach Mike Hesson says they're adjusting their plan for the sequel in Dubai, starting tomorrow night (NZT).

"Our spinners acknowledged they bowled slower than they need to," Hesson said. "The key difference is Pakistan's spinners can beat our batsmen off the wicket whereas at home our guys try to beat batsmen in the air because the ball doesn't spin as much.

"The solution lies in the pace you bowl. You've got to be quicker so they can't adjust off the wicket. But to be fair, Ish and Mark had opportunities that were missed and could have drawn confidence from that."

As part of New Zealand Cricket's commitment to acclimatise the pair to tests, former international spinner Paul Wiseman has worked as a mentor on tour.

Wisemen views Vettori, who he played test cricket with, as a bit like Australia's Shane Warne because his exit risked leaving a void.

"New Zealand's been through a huge era with Dan and now you've got two relatively young cricketers, in terms of first-class experience, trying to make it in these conditions," Wiseman said. "It'll take time for them to learn their trade.

"Mark impresses by getting plenty of revolutions on the ball, as well as bounce, turn and drift which, on largely unresponsive wickets at home, is not easy.

"We saw what he could do in the West Indies in the right conditions. Ideally, he'd still want more cricket at first-class level [Craig's played 29 matches] but, given our position, we've got to fast-track players when we can.

"Ish is an incredible talent who's making strides with his variations, like when to use them against certain batsmen.

"The dismissal of Azhar was technically brilliant. That would make any spinner in the world wake up and take notice."

Longer term, the aim is for Sodhi and Craig to ramp up their credibility over the next two years with tours to Sri Lanka and India planned under the ICC's Future Tours Programme.

Wiseman says a couple of other spinners are progressing towards international standard.

"Todd Astle's made massive strides since his test debut [in the win over Sri Lanka at Colombo in 2012]. He's gone back to Canterbury, rejigged a few things and bowled more consistently.

"I also like the look of Mitch Santner as a left-arm spinner from ND. There's no reason why he shouldn't succeed."

Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.