NZ bolster batting for second WI Test

Seaming wicket set to challenge brittle batting line-ups in Wellington.

WELLINGTON: Hosts New Zealand drafted in Kane Williamson to strengthen their batting line-up for the second Test against the West Indies, which will be played on a Wellington wicket tailor-made for bowlers.

Captain Brendon McCullum confirmed that Williamson, a late withdrawal from the drawn first match in Dunedin because of a thumb injury, was fit again.

The Black Caps are expected to field only three seamers despite the short turnaround after the bowlers were forced to send down more than 200 overs in the Dunedin Test.

“I wonder if three can’t get it done whether four will,” said McCullum, leaving open the question over whether Neil Wagner or Brendon Bracewell will join Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

With the Basin Reserve wicket described as being as green as it has ever been, McCullum sees no choice other than to bowl first.

The Black Caps were left frustrated in Dunedin, where they outplayed the West Indies for the first three days before the Test ended in a draw after rain on the last day.

It was a result that buoyed the tourists after conceding a score of 609 for nine declared in the first innings. The tourists were dismissed for just 213 in their first innings before compiling 507 in their second innings, with Darren Bravo making a double-century.

“We fought back really well, which was very pleasing,” said West Indies Coach Ottis Gibson. “It gives us more confidence going into the second Test.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2013.

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