We take a look at the second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies set to get underway on Saturday 9 December.
The idea that New Zealand might be a bit out of touch after a six-month break from Test cricket was quickly dismissed in Wellington, where they secured an impressive victory, putting them well on track for a comfortable series win.
On the other hand, the West Indies have lost much of the momentum they built against Zimbabwe and England and will be desperate to avoid a series whitewash when they take on the Kiwis at Hamilton.
New Zealand v West Indies | 9 December – 13 December | Seddon Park, Hamilton
To Win Match
New Zealand 7/20 | Draw 3/1 | West Indies 10/1
New Zealand
The hosts will see the return of Tim Southee, who missed the series opener due to paternity leave. While Neil Wagner admirably took on the new-ball duties alongside Trent Boult, Southee is expected to replace Matt Henry.
Wagner was outstanding in Wellington, proving adaptable and effective. However, the Black Caps should resist the urge to put him back on new-ball duty and let him excel with the older ball.
BJ Watling remains sidelined, so wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell has another opportunity to shine after a century on Test debut and a solid wicketkeeping performance. In contrast to the previous match, he won’t face the challenge of Jason Holder, as the Windies captain is suspended.
Kane Williamson and Mitchell Santner need to find form, having struggled in the first Test. Santner’s bowling will likely be more influential at Seddon Park than it was at the Basin Reserve.
Although the Black Caps do not have an outstanding Test record at Seddon Park, they haven’t lost there in the longest format for the last four years, including a big win against this very opposition back in 2013.
West Indies
With Holder suspended due to a slow over-rate in Napier, Kraigg Brathwaite takes over captaincy duties and must maintain his focus as a key batsman.
The Windies need to tackle their recurring issue of batting collapses. Despite promising starts in the first Test, their middle-order batsmen failed to capitalise.
Sunil Ambris is expected to keep his spot despite a quiet debut. The selection of Holder’s replacement remains uncertain, with seamer Alzarri Joseph the frontrunner unless the selectors opt to go with wrist-spinner Devendra Bishoo.
Brathwaite and opener Kieran Powell, both survivors from the 2013 defeat at Seddon Park, are crucial to the West Indies’ hopes. Their ability to provide a steady start, especially if asked to bat first on a damp, possibly drizzly morning, will be vital.
While the Windies display stronger performances in limited-overs cricket (having named their ODI squad already), their focus must remain firmly on this Test match.
Verdict: New Zealand 7/20
It’s a tough ask for the West Indies to turn things around so quickly, especially against a full-strength New Zealand side with Southee back in the fold.
