NEW ZEALAND WEST INDIES TOUR, 2020
Can the West Indies “stop talking and start delivering”? © AFP
The fact that New Zealand recorded its biggest test victory over the West Indies is evidence enough to sum up the disparity that existed in the performances of the two sides. It was as much a reflection of New Zealand’s brilliance, with both the bat and the ball, as the lack of it for tourists.
However, as Jason Holder pointed out, if the West Indian hitters can manage to join associations, New Zealand will be forced to alter their plans and probably even fail in their execution. A 155-run partnership between Alzarri Joseph and Jermaine Blackwood for the seventh wicket at Seddon Park proved that. But the question that still remains unanswered is whether the West Indies have enough skill to sew the great associations.
They have often found themselves too defensive or too aggressive in their approach. The middle ground has been absent from their hitting for most of their last two years and as a result, even in success, they haven’t always found broad flourishing partnerships.
Jason Holder has talked about “looking in the mirror” and talking less and giving more. But will everything change overnight? Even though Wellington has provided higher scores than other venues in New Zealand, the onus again falls on West Indian hitters to do enough to allow their best-serving teammates, the bowlers, to work with them.
Another green track is expected, and if the West Indies bowlers manage to find the right channels of attack early against the New Zealand team without Kane Williamson, there could be a challenge. In recent years, New Zealand have been among the meanest hosts in the longest format, and they are unlikely to be any less tough against a team that is busy searching for its own answers.
What to expect: Rain, who extended the first test to day four, is unlikely to play a role in Wellington. A green field awaits the two teams.
Where: New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st Test, Basin Reserve, Wellington
When: Friday, December 11, 2020, 11 a.m. M. (Local time)
Team news:
New Zealand: Hosts will be led by Tom Latham in the absence of Kane Williamson, who will be heading home on paternity leave. BJ Watling, who missed the previous test, could re-occupy the XI. Neil Wagner, who reached the top of the ICC test rankings for bowlers, is ready to play his 50th test.
Probably XI: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Will Young, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (week), Daryl Mitchell / Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult
West Indies: Kemar Roach has returned home while Shane Dowrich is ruled out with a finger injury. If Shamarh Brooks takes the gloves, Shimron Hetmyer can be placed to strengthen the hitting department. Otherwise, Joshua da Silva could debut. Meanwhile, Shannon Gabriel, who will have to lead the attack, will be playing her 50th Test
Probably XI: John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua da Silva (week), Jason Holder (c), Alzarri Joseph, Chemar Holder, Shannon Gabriel
What they say:
“If 10 years ago someone told me that I would play 50 test matches for the West Indies, I would like to know what they were smoking.” Shannon Gabriel, West Indies pacemaker, before her 50th Test
“In the world there are a lot of quality bowlers who are better than me and who are in the lower ranks. Some of those guys are playing all three forms and they are very skilled and they do much better than me. Hopefully, he can continue. contributing and helping New Zealand win games, that’s the main thing for me. ” Neil Wagner, New Zealand pacemaker, ahead of his 50th Test.
© Cricbuzz
