New Zealand seized the initiative in the Test series with a massive win over a misfiring West Indies in the series opener at Seddon Park.
James Richardson writes that the West Indies cannot win the series but will be desperate to improve and perhaps share the spoils with a win at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Kane Williamson celebrates 250 runs, New Zealand Black Caps v West Indies, Day 2 of the 1st international cricket test at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Friday 4th December 2020. West Indies tour of New Zealand. © Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
New Zealand vs West Indies | 11 December – 15 December | Basin Reserve
To Win Match:
New Zealand 2/7
Draw 9/2
West Indies 17/2
New Zealand:
New Zealand made a close to perfect start to the Test series right the way through the first Test played on a green surface in Hamilton, putting up a huge first innings score before bowling the West Indies out twice.
During that match, skipper Kane Williamson showed why he is considered to be among the so-called Fab Four with his third Test double-ton.
New Zealand could welcome back regular wicketkeeper BJ Watling which could mean that Tom Blundell might drop out of the playing XI.
The Black Caps bowled well as a unit in the first Test to work out the West Indies twice with the match not going long enough to determine whether their lack of a spinner would be examined more closely.
It is likely that the hosts will make few changes after a stellar performance in the series-opening win.
West Indies:
The West Indies have plenty to improve on after they put New Zealand in to bat in a move that backfired horribly in Hamilton.
Perhaps getting carried away with the look of the green wicket, the West Indies failed to make the most of the new-ball and paid the price.
Their batsmen struggled in a nightmare first innings in large part due to a lack of restraint and the Kiwi bowlers finding a better length much faster.
Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich will miss the match having sustained an injury in the field during the first Test and fast bowler Kemar Roach also misses out.
Reserve wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva could be in line for his Test debut while Jayden Seales and Chemar Holder are in line to replace Kemar Roach provided the tourists opt to retain the same team balance.
Verdict: New Zealand 2/7
It is hard to envision the West Indies improving enough to get a win.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
