NEW ZEALAND VS WEST INDIES 1st Test Day 1
New Zealand:
Once glance at the Black Caps and it becomes a little difficult to believe they can be this inconsistent. The likes of Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor make for a very strong batting line-up on paper. To their credit, barring the collapse against Sohag Gazi in the first Test in Chittagong, the batsmen did not do too badly. Williamson was the best of the lot, with a century and two fifties but his broken thumb would be giving the Kiwis nightmares ahead of the series opener.
Key players:
Williamson if he is fit to play the first Test and Ross Taylor. The former captain was once considered one of the best batsmen in the world but his stocks have dipped because he has not scored runs when it mattered. But look out for Corey Anderson who impressed in Bangladesh and might be the trump card against the West Indians.
West Indies:
After the humiliation in the Tests against India, came the pain. Shane Shillingford, the record-breaking West Indian off-spinner was tested for a suspect action along with Marlon Samuels. While Samuels is certain to play, his major role being that of a batsman than a spinner, it is Shillingford, Ottis Gibson would be stressing about. Perhaps that is the reason they have included Sunil Narine as cover but Shillingford's absence, after his recent good form, will be a huge blow to the West Indians.
Key players:
The first name that comes to mind is Chanderpaul, who continues to be the most prized West Indian wicket. His is not an attractive style of play but the southpaw has been very effective for years. Tino Best, with his aggressive attitude, will certainly come hard at the hosts for he has a point to prove after the disappointments in India. If these men stand up to be counted, fans in New Zealand could be in for a treat.
