The kiwis sealed the 3-match T20I series 2-0 after the 3rd match was abandoned due to rain. The teams will now take the field to play the longest format of the game. The 2-match Test series will start off with the first Test set to begin on Thursday at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. The visitors were completely outplayed in the T20I series as the Kiwis dominated them in both the matches.
The kiwis will be more than happy for Kane Williamson, who was out of the T20I series due to an injury, and the skipper’s return to the team will boost the team’s confidence going into the Test series.
The last the West Indies visited New Zealand, the test series was sealed 2-0 in favor of the kiwis. Jason Holder and Co. will be hoping they can turn around the fortunes in their favor. Also, keeping in mind the ICC Test World Championship, both teams will be pushing hard to climb up the rankings.
The Kiwis have been in great form over in home conditions and it would not be a surprise to see them come out the best in this encounter. While, the WIndies have some world-class players on their side- Jason Holder, Darren Bravo, and Kemar Roach could prove to be match-winners on their day.
Can the West Indies surprise the Kiwis? Or will the black caps dominate the visitors?
Match Toss Time: 10:30 Local (03:00 IST)
Match Start Time: 11:00 Local (03:30 IST)
Match Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
Weather Report
The conditions are not the best for cricket as Hamilton has been experiencing rain and thunderstorms throughout the week. Rain is expected to delay the game on Day 1 and 5 but does not look threatening to ruin the match. The temperature is expected to hover in the 19-15 degree range throughout the 5 days and the humidity is expected to be floating around the late 60% mark.
Pitch
The pitch is reported to have some grass which is likely to assist the pacers. The spinners are likely to come into effect on the last two days once the pitch has slowed down. The team winning the toss should be looking to bat first as chasing becomes very tough in Hamilton on days 4 and 5.
Team News
New Zealand will be happy to have their skipper Kane Williamson and spearhead Trent Boult back to the side. But they do have some injury concerns in form Ajaz Pate and Colin de Grandhomme. The Kiwis are going ahead with the full-strength squad as they would be hoping they can grab the crucial points which will help them climb the rankings.
West Indies on the other hand have not reported any injuries and will be going into the series with their full-strength squad. West Indies are one of the few teams that feature a completely different squad from the one in ODI and T20I. The skipper Jason Holder will be hoping they can surprise the kiwis in their home conditions, which definitely would take a lot of effort by the West Indians.
Probable Playing Xl
New Zealand (NZ): Tom Latham, Will Young/ B.Walting, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner
West Indies (WI): John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (WK), Rahkeem Cornwall, Jason Holder (C), Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach
NZ vs WI Fantasy Team
B.Walting, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren-Bravo, Mitchell Santner, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach
Captain Picks: Kane Williamson (NZ), Tom Latham (NZ)
Vice-Captain Picks: Jason Holder (WI), Trent Boult (NZ)
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