New Zealand, the final of the nine teams participating in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle, is set to start their campaign. They haven’t played a Test match against Zimbabwe in four months, and their last WTC match was a year ago when England visited them and won the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy 2-1.
Kane Williamson, who skipped the Tests against Zimbabwe, returns to the red-ball setup after an extensive preparation which saw him miss the recent ODI series against West Indies. On the bowling front, Zakary Foulkes may be a ready starter for his first Test at home after making an impression on his Test debut against Zimbabwe with match figures of 9 for 75.
West Indies, on the other hand, have experienced a brutal start to their WTC cycle with a 3-0 whitewash against Australia at home which includes being bowled out for 27 in the penultimate Test. A 2-0 defeat to India followed on the subcontinent to make matters worse. But, the lads from the Caribbean showed a lot more application in the second Test against India, pushing the game to Day 5 after India enforced the follow-on. John Campbell and Shai Hope spearheaded the struggle with centuries.
The tourists would aim to capitalize on their performance from the Delhi Test but New Zealand start as clear favourites in this series.
When: New Zealand against West Indies, 1st Test, December 2-6 at 11AM Local (3:30 AM IST)
Where: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
What to anticipate: During the first play session, there is a small possibility of precipitation. There may be light drizzles and cloud cover throughout, barring any disruptions during that time of day. In 10 of the 16 Test matches held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, teams batting second have typically won. On Day 1, it is possible that the ball will move laterally due to cloud cover.
New Zealand:
Kane Williamson will come into the side. Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra can offer spin bowling options, while Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy, two fast bowlers, could play alongside Matt Henry and Nathan Smith.
Probable XI: Tom Blundell (WK), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes,Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway/ Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell
West Indies:
From their last Test in Delhi, West Indies might drop Jomel Warrican and switch to a four-man seam attack with captain Roston Chase the guy to resort to his arm over when necessary.
Probable XI: Justin Greaves, Anderson Phillip, Johan Layne, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales,John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (WK)