The West Indies harbour hopes of their first away win over New Zealand in 22 years as the loss of Tim Southee and BJ Watling put pressure on the Blacks Caps ahead of Friday's first Test in Wellington. Without strike bowler Southee, and a lack of experience among the New Zealand middle order batsmen, West Indies captain Jason Holder sees the key to success as the swift removal of senior batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.
New Zealand are returning to the Test arena after an eight-month break while the battle-hardened West Indies are coming off a 2-1 series loss to England, including a dramatic victory at Headingley, and a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe. "We've been on the road together for a while (and) we're doing some good things but we need to be pushing the consistency button more to keep heading in that upward direction," Holder said.
New Zealand have delayed making a decision on whether Lockie Ferguson, with his extreme pace, or the consistent Matt Henry will replace the 57-Test new-ball bowler Southee, who will miss the Test due to the impending birth of his second child.
Tom Blundell has already been confirmed to make his debut as wicketkeeper with Watling failing to recover from a thigh injury. New Zealand coach Mike Hesson expects whoever wins the toss at the Basin Reserve to bowl. "Same as always," he said when viewing a wicket that was greenish on Wednesday but expected to brown off before the Test begins. "Everyone gets a bit excited about that. I always think it's a bowl first up here anyway but it's always a good cricket wicket."