NZ will want to banish any sinking feeling of history repeating as they start the fourth day against Pakistan today.

Otago captain Craig Cumming is convinced the path back to the national side has been blocked because the selectors consider him over the hill.

Depending on which batsmen have most raised the selectors' hackles, three players are in line for the axe.

Pakistan have beaten NZ today to set up a test series decider.

If Pakistan's batsmen can do what Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum did yesterday it might turn into tough grind all round.