Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Daniel Vettori made a surprise return to test cricket after a two-year absence and won't have to wait long to bowl after Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat in the third test against New Zealand.
Vettori, who last played a test in July 2012, was the only change New Zealand made Wednesday as it bids to level the three-test series.
New Zealand lost the first test by 248 runs but had the better of a draw in the second test last week.
Vettori also became New Zealand's most capped test player with 112 matches, surpassing former captain Stephen Fleming.
The 35-year-old left-arm spinner has also played one more test while representing ICC World XI.
The former Black Caps captain replaced James Neesham in a New Zealand XI containing three specialist spinners along with Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig on a grassless wicket at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan made two changes, with Mohammad Hafeez returning to replace Taufeeq Umar after recovering from his hamstring injury and also undergoing testing on his suspect bowling action in England.
Fast bowler Ehsan Adil was ruled out due to a side strain and was replaced by Mohammad Talha.
Teams:
Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Shan Masood, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Talha, Zulfiqar Babar, Rahat Ali
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson, Daniel Vettori, BJ Watling, Mark Craig, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.
