New Zealand’s test cricket novices have been warned against being so preoccupied with Sri Lanka’s spin wizardry they disregard a maturing new ball attack that initiated a historic test series victory over Pakistan last month.

New Zealand Cricket has gone to extraordinary lengths to nurse a talented though inexperienced batting unit of Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder through their first confrontation with Muttiah Muralitharan on the test wicket world record holder’s domains here and in Colombo.

Ajantha Mendis, anointed to assume Muralitharan’s mantle when he retires from tests in 2011, prompted more concern by taking three for nine in 18 generally unreadable balls during his debut against New Zealand at the ICC World Twenty20 in June.

Former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and anonymous English teenager Maurice Holmes formed NZC’s contingency plan and were flown to Colombo to mirror the deliveries of Sri Lanka’s dynamic duo before today’s first test at Galle International Stadium (4.30pm NZT). Read more…

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