West Indies brace for ODI challenge

Tourists looking to bounce back against NZ as five-match series starts

WELLINGTON: The West Indies have rejected any suggestion of a Test hangover going into the opening One-Day International (ODI) against a New Zealand side bolstered by the return of Jesse Ryder.

"We're more comfortable in the shorter forms of the game," said captain Dwayne Bravo on the eve of Thursday's first of five ODIs, after losing the Test series 2-0.

"It was a disappointing Test series but hopefully the guys have put that behind them."

With seven ODI specialists added to the squad "it's a different vibe, a different energy," he added.

New Zealand welcome back Ryder while the West Indies will be without their talisman Chris Gayle, Test captain Darren Sammy noted.

Gayle remains sidelined with a hamstring injury while Ryder has been in devastating form in New Zealand domestic cricket ahead of his return to the international arena after a 22-month exile.

New Zealand selection manager Bruce Edgar said Ryder will provide ‘added firepower’ at the top of the order where he will partner another returning international Martin Guptill.

Despite New Zealand's comprehensive win in the Tests – the first time they have won a three-Test series in nearly eight years – captain Brendon McCullum said it was back to square one for the ODIs.

"We'll start on the same level come Boxing Day," he said as New Zealand toned down the euphoria of their red-ball success and reacquainted themselves with the white ball.

"I've said it before when we've been on the other side of the coin, so I can't change now. I think it's a separate game.”

"We'll store this away as a Test unit and be very happy with the performance. Now we have to turn our attention as a different unit. We know the West Indies have different players and so do we."