5 Reasons You Shouldn't Miss New Zealand-West Indies Test Series

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The upcoming two-match Test series between New Zealand and West Indies is not the most keenly-anticipated or the most high-profile contest. However, for any genuine cricket fan, this series holds great attractions. A New Zealand side that rarely loses at home taking on an optimistic and ever-improving West Indies team could turn out to be a surprisingly good encounter. 

The Kiwis are, obviously, big favourites. In their previous home season, also the last time they played Test matches, the Kane Williamson-led side was able to defeat two top Test teams - England and India. The victory over the latter was more impressive as they were leading the World Test Championship standings at the time.

The West Indies, on the other hand, earned a very important victory over England in the first Test of their three-match series in that country. However, their performance went downhill after that. This tour gives the Caribbean side another opportunity to show improvement in their overall performance. 

To prep up your appettite for this contest, let us give you five specific reasons why you must watch this series, or, at least follow it closely with us. 


High-Quality Seam Bowling

Whatever be the result of the series, one is bound to witness top-class swing and seam bowling in the series. Conditions in New Zealand do help seamers. The usual pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult would be in action. But so would be Kemar Roach, a very capable seamer in his own right. 

Jason Holder's stats in the last three years have been stupendous. In fact,  it's the Windies captain who is most likely to make an impact with his usual full lenght. But don't forget the indefatigable Shannon Gabriel. He always bowls his heart out. This series should see nothing less from him. 

Young and Talented Pacers

In their 2-0 victory over India, New Zealand discovered a great talent in Kyle Jamieson. The tall pacer has attributes similar to Holder with his tall height and ability to get the ball to move. Watching him in action again would be exciting. But he isn't the only talented young seamer likely to play. 

Chemar Holder is another very promising pacer, for West Indies. If he gets into the playing XI, it would be interesting to see how he goes. The Caribbean side contains Alzarri Joseph as well. He has already shown great promise in international and T20 cricket. He is the frontrunner for the fourth seamer's spot in the team. Lastly, there is Keemo Paul.  Another bowler rated highly by West Indian experts. 

Search for Spinners

While both teams are richly endowed with good seamers, there is a great dearth of quality spinners. New Zealand have selected Ajaz Patel again. He hasn't done much since his great debut series in UAE against Pakistan. On the other side, West Indies have persisted with Rahkeem Cornwall despite an underwhelming showing in England. Roston Chase is probably the most reliable among all the tweakers. Both Ajaz and Rahkeem will be fighting for their spots.

Focus on Bravo and Hetmyer

Two very important members of the West Indian batting line-up, Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer, are returning to the West Indian fold. Both left-handers are a visual treat when are in full flow. Bravo, especially, has good memories of New Zealand as he scored a magnificent match-saving double hundred here in 2013. Hetmyer, full of flamboyance, has played some breathtaking innings at Test level. His return will add more excitement to the batting line-up. 

How Will Windies Cope with Wagner's Barrage?

A distinctive feature of New Zealand's success at home has been the consistency of Neil Wagner. He was described brilliantly by a commentator as a medium pacer with the attitude of a fast bowler. This meant a lot of aggression and desire to bowl bouncers at batsmen. 

Despite all the expectations, Wagner has managed to use his bouncers to trouble many batsmen and pick up a whole lot of wickets. Even though he doesn't have the pace of faster bowlers, Wagner manages to turn short deliveries into wicket-taking ones. 

Now, West Indies have been notoriously weak against hostile short-pitch bowling in recent times. So, will they also crumble against the New Zealand seamer? That's something worth watching out for. 


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