New Zealand out to defy West Indies in 3rd Test
What's the story
West Indies will be looking to end a 30-year wait for a Test win in New Zealand when they take on the hosts in the third and final match of their series. Captain Roston Chase has been vocal about this long-standing drought, and the team is determined to turn things around. Despite their strong bowling attack, West Indies's batting has struggled throughout the series, except for a second-innings fightback in the first Test. Here's more.
Team changes
West Indies bolster batting for Mount Maunganui Test
To address their batting woes, West Indies have bolstered their lineup for the Mount Maunganui Test. Alick Athanaze has replaced the injured Ojay Shields in the playing XI. However, this single change can't cover a larger issue of batting inconsistency that has plagued West Indies throughout the series. Chase himself averages less than 16 with bat as captain and apart from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves, contributions have been sporadic.
Team strategy
New Zealand's spin options and pace resources
New Zealand, who won the second Test in Wellington, will be looking to make it 2-0. Captain Tom Latham has not confirmed his XI but even without Ajaz Patel, spin options Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra could be enough against a fragile batting order. The hosts are also hoping their pace resources hold up after heavy workloads from injuries to Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner in the first two Tests.
Player updates
Key player updates
West Indies have announced their XI with only one change: Athanaze, who is comfortable against spin bowling, replaces injured seamer Shields. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the Wellington Test. He is likely to return to the XI, which would mean Mitchell Hay gets dropped despite scoring a debut half-century in second Test.
Match conditions
Pitch conditions and weather forecast for the Test
The pitch at Bay Oval usually offers plenty of seam movement early on, especially in the first two sessions. Batting can be tough early on before it flattens out as the Test goes on. From day three, the pitch starts to grip and slow turn comes into play. Scoring late in the match becomes difficult with wear and tear setting in, particularly when chasing targets. Rain on days two and three could also affect this Test match.
Information
A look at the H2H record
As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have met each other 51 times in Tests. New Zealand have won 18 matches compared to WI's 13. As many as 20 matches have been drawn. In New Zealand, the hosts own a 15-7 win-loss record from 33 matches. 11 games have been drawn.
Likely XIs
A look at the probable XIs
NZ probable XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (captain), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel. WI probable XI: John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (captain), Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.
Stats
Player focus: Here are the stats
WI pacer Kemar Roach is seven wickets away from becoming the fifth West Indies bowler to take 300 Test wickets. Courtney Walsh (519), Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376) and Lance Gibbs (309) are the only WI bowlers with 300-plus Test wickets. New Zealand's Kane Williamson owns 9,390 runs and is 110 shy of the 9,500-run milestone. He has 33 tons and 38 fifties from 107 matches (190 innings).