Another stiff test awaits West Indies

Gibson eager for improved show by tourists in third Test against NZ.

WELLINGTON: Beating the home team was too much to ask for but what West Indies Coach Ottis Gibson had not expected was the team not even putting up a fight when they were dismissed by the hosts on the third day as New Zealand won by an innings and 73 runs in the second Test played at the Basin Reserve, Wellington.

West Indies must capture the wicket of key batsman Ross Taylor early if they are looking to snatch victory from New Zealand’s hands in the final Test set to begin at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Thursday.



Although it was New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly left-arm seamer Trent Boult, who took the plaudits for the victory at the Basin Reserve last week, Taylor’s batting attack made it impossible for the tourists.

Taylor scored a career-best 217 not out in the drawn first test in Dunedin then backed it up with 129 in Wellington after being dropped on zero.

“If the ball is not swinging, you can’t pitch it up to quality batsmen like Taylor,” said Gibson, who was less than impressed with his bowlers. “It’s all about finding the right length for the bowlers and we were inconsistent with everything we have done.”

Bringing in the big guns

After the team’s loss, West Indies captain Darren Sammy said his team’s composition was up in the air for Hamilton.

Off-spinner Sunil Narine, who captured 12 of his 15 career wickets against New Zealand, will be brought in place of Shane Shillingford, who was banned after a biomechanical analysis proving his bowling action illegal.

On the other side, New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson was confirmed in his team’s playing side against West Indies. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said he is likely to bowl first if he won the toss.

“If there is some cloud cover then the ball can swing quite a lot. If the pitch does have anything in it, in terms of seam, both Tim (Southee) and Trent (Boult) are more than capable and if it does dry out, then Neil (Wagner) and Ish (Sodhi) are both good options for us.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2013.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.