The last time West Indies won a
Test series against an opposition ranked higher than them was in 2009 when they
beat England
1-0. They now are favourites to beat New Zealand, a team that is ranked
just one notch above them at No. 7. West Indies, who defeated New Zealand
comfortably in the T20I and the ODI series, go in to the Tests with a bit of
incentive as a win by any margin will help the hosts usurp their opponents into
the No. 7 position in the ICC rankings.
Test cricket returns to the Sir
Vivian Richards stadium for the first time since February, 2009 when a Test
against England
was abandoned following an unfit outfield after just 10 balls in the match. Since
its return into the international arena, the stadium has hosted 4 ODIs and a
couple of T20 internationals.
West Indies:
Playing in a stadium named after
one of the greats of West Indies cricket, West Indies will be desperate to
reverse their sliding fortunes in Test cricket, they have a huge chance now
with New Zealand
struggling to put through eleven fit men on the field. Chris Gayle returns to
play his first Test since December, 2010. West Indies
tried several opening combinations in his absence, but have hardly settled on a
set combo. Adrian Barath, Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieron Powell have all been
rotated along with none of them managing to claim a permanent place in the line-up.
Darren Bravo and Kirk Edwards miss out due to different reasons but the good
news for West Indies is that Shiv Chanderpaul is back after missing the 3rd
test against England
due to a side strain. Marlon Samuels showed unbelievable maturity as he emerged
the best West Indian batsman on view during the tour of England and
this series gives the opportunity to further enhance his claim.
The bowling has a settled look to
it. Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach have become the lead pair with Tino Best to
support them. Sunil Narine struggled in the cool climes of England but has
proved to be difficult to play in the comforting home conditions.
New Zealand:
On the other hand, New Zealand
will quietly fancy their chances. The return of some of their star players have
emboldened a team that usually performs well under adversity. The visitors have
had a feel of the conditions at the ground having played their lone warm up
match at this venue. They struggled against a quality attack with only Brendon
McCullum, Kane Williamson and Kruger van wyk amongst the runs. More bad news
filtered in at the end of the match with Trent Boult and Bradley Watling
missing out on selection for the first Test with injuries.
Injuries apart, New Zealand
will take heart from the fact that their top guns have started firing. Ross
Taylor returned from injury to score a century in the fourth ODI, McCullum and
Williamson spent useful time in the middle while Daniel Vettori was his usual
niggardly self picking up 6 wickets in the warm-up game. Much has been spoken
about Neil Wagner and the left arm pacer looks a sure shot for a debut.
Team News:
Adrain Barath and Kieron Powell
will battle for one spot at the top of the order while a century in the
practice match should help Narsingh Deonarine edge past Assad Fudadin for a spot
in the middle order.
Injuries might just force New Zealand's
hands. Neil Wagner will make his debut in all probability with Doug Bracewell
and Tim Southee fighting for the third seamer's spot.
Pitch and Conditions: The pitch
as well as the outfield will be under close scrutiny. On the evidence of the
practice match, it should stay low and slow. Scattered showers have been
predicted for the entire duration of the Test.
Quotes:
The two teams are evenly matched...
both teams will be playing to win and we will do everything to achieve that (a
win) - Darren Sammy is badly seeking a Test win.
A warm-up game is a warm-up game.
We got what we wanted out of it - Ross Taylor does not believe that a poor
outing in the warm-up match will hurt his team.
Teams:
West Indies (From): Darren Sammy(c), Chris Gayle, Sunil
Narine, Denesh Ramdin(w), Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels, Tino Best, Adrian
Barath, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Narsingh
Deonarine
New Zealand (From): Ross Taylor(c), Doug Bracewell, Dean
Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, BJ Watling, Kane
Williamson, Trent Boult, Tarun Nethula, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Kruger
van Wyk(w), Daniel Vettori, Neil Wagner
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