Shoaib could prove a real handful in New Zealand

Pakistan have just thrashed the Black Caps 5-0 in a one-day series on home soil, but Miandad said that result would have no bearing on the Tests.

"That was in Pakistan and now we are going into a Test series," he said.

"We are here to play good cricket, but the conditions will be very different and can make good cricket difficult."

The tourists' only match before the first Test is a three-day game against New Zealand champions Auckland, beginning on Sunday.

Miandad plans to name a near Test-strength side against a team which will include several New Zealand internationals.

"Our batsmen are playing well and we're getting quite a bit of experience," Miandad said. "Some of the boys toured here in 2001, so they know what to expect."

Two years ago, Pakistan drew the three-Test series 1-1 and lost the one-day series 3-2.

Last year, when India toured New Zealand, the two Tests were each over in less than three days as both sides struggled with the green pitches.

The first Test against Pakistan starts on 19 December in Hamilton.

The ground has only hosted one match this season, which also ended in three days, and the authorities will be hoping for a dry week to ensure no repeat of what happened against India.

Miandad said his two strike bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami, would revel on green-tops and added that his batsmen were in good nick.