After the T20I series, New Zealand are all set to host West Indies for the Test series. The first Test begins on second December. The hosts will be high on confidence after taking the three-match T20I series 2-0. Their home form in Test matches has also been great. They will back themselves to take all the points from this series, giving themselves a chance to rise up the World Test Championship points table.
Match Details:
Date:
December 3- 7, 2020 (Thursday- Monday)
Time: 03:30 AM (IST), 10:00 PM (GMT) (December 2nd), 11:00 AM (Local)
Venue:
Seddon Park, Hamilton
What To Expect:
The wicket at Seddon Park should favor the batsmen. There should be some assistance to the seamers early on in the game. Spin shouldn’t play a major role except maybe for the final day.
New Zealand:
New Zealand will be sweating over the fitness of regular keeper BJ Watling ahead of the first Test. Head coach Gary Stead confirmed that Tom Blundell will don the gloves if Watling is not fit to play. While Devon Conway has been added to the Test squad as Watling’s cover, Will Young should play if Watling isn’t fit.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Tom Latham, Will Young/ BJ Watling, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Neil Wagner.
West Indies:
Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell are likely to open the innings for the Windies, with Shamarh Brooks set to follow at No.3. Darren Bravo should play the anchoring role batting at No.4, with Roston Chase at No. 5. Shane Dowrich will probably keep wickets for them while Jermaine Blackwood could be an extra batting option for them if he plays ahead of Rahkeem Cornwall.
West Indies Predicted Playing XI:
John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (WK), Jermaine Blackwood/ Rahkeem Cornwall, Jason Holder (C), Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, and Kemar Roach.