Speaking to PakPassion.net, Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed feels that Mohammad Yousuf is the key for Pakistan if they are to win the test series in New Zealand.

"Yousuf is obviously the most experienced of the Pakistani batsmen currently in New Zealand and he will be the key wicket as far as the opposition is concerned. His experience and knowhow will be invaluable for the Pakistani team and the other less experienced batsman in the Pakistan lineup need to bat around Yousuf".

Yasir who is expected to return to the PIA lineup for their next Quaid E Azam Trophy fixture against Habib Bank on Saturday, after sustaining a hand injury in his previous match against WAPDA further added "the timing of the series potentially presents problems for Pakistan. In 2005 when I toured New Zealand, we played later in the summer when wickets were not so bowler friendly. The conditions will favour the bowlers this time around and I would expect the ball to seam around quite a lot. However if Pakistan's batsmen keep their discipline and above all their concentration, then Pakistan could win the series".

Yasir who has represented Pakistan on 79 occasions further added "Bond and Vettori are the matchwinners for New Zealand, as both are world class performers and the Pakistani batsmen will need to play both these bowlers with care and responsibility".

Hameed feels that if the Pakistani batsmen can put runs on the board, then Pakistan have enough matchwinners in their bowling lineup. "Aamer, Gul, Rauf and Asif will be a handful on the wickets in New Zealand and I would expect them to be able to dismiss New Zealand twice in the test matches. However the key in my opinion is whether Pakistan's batsmen can give their bowlers enough runs to defend".

Yasir further stated "I'd give Umar Akmal a chance. He's playing with a lot of confidence and I think both he and Fawad have been presented with a fantastic opportunity on this tour".