NZ vs WI, Christchurch Test: Key player matchups
What's the story
New Zealand will kick off their 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the series opener against West Indies in Christchurch. The 1st Test, starting December 2 at Hagley Oval, also marks the return of Kane Williamson to Test cricket. Meanwhile, Roston Chase will lead the Windies. The impending game promises quite a few riveting player battles. Here are a few of them.
#1
Kane Williamson vs Kemar Roach
As mentioned, the Kiwis will be bolstered with the return of Williamson, who averages over 60 against West Indies in Tests. He will face a fired-up Kemar Roach, whose ability to generate sheer pace stands out. According to ESPNcricinfo, the Caribbean seamer has dismissed Williamson five times in 14 Test innings. The Kiwi batter averages 39.60 against Roach in the format.
#2
Tom Latham vs Kemar Roach
Tom Latham would be hoping to lead New Zealand from the front at home. A lot will depend on the kind of starts he dishes in. Like Williamson, the New Zealand skipper will also have to pass the stern Roach test. Notably, Latham has fallen to the Windies seamer five times across just 10 innings. His average is a meager 15.00.
#3
Shai Hope vs Matt Henry
On the other hand, the West Indies batters will face the wrath of Matt Henry, who has taken 36 wickets from seven Tests at 23.91 at Hagley Oval. The Windies will pin their hopes on Shai Hope, their highest run-scorer (Tests) in 2025. He owns 279 runs at 27.90. In their only head-to-head clash, Hope was unbeaten in 32 balls against Henry (11 runs).