New Zealand kick off their WTC 2025–27 campaign in Christchurch with the spotlight firmly on Kane Williamson, who returns to Test cricket after nearly a year. With injuries, retirements, and shifting priorities shaping his recent journey, this may be one of the few chances home fans get to see him in whites before late 2026.
Despite a shaky recent home Test run, just two series wins in their last seven, New Zealand remain strong favourites. West Indies, meanwhile, arrive with a squad riddled with uncertainty: key pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph are still recovering, Kemar Roach has been rushed back, and 29-year-old debut hopeful Ojay Shields only recently moved from teaching PE to professional cricket. With selection dilemmas everywhere, from the No. 3 slot to the wicketkeeping role, the visitors have more questions than solutions.
The battle to watch is Jayden Seales vs Kane Williamson, a duel of skill and discipline between two players who have never faced each other in international cricket. On the home side, Tom Latham, returning from injury and searching for his first Test hundred since 2022, also steps into the spotlight with the captaincy.
Team-wise, New Zealand must decide between Devon Conway or Will Young and between Jacob Duffy or Blair Tickner in the seam attack. West Indies may opt for extra pace on green surfaces, possibly dropping Jomel Warrican and bringing in Brandon King.
History offers little comfort for the visitors: West Indies haven’t won a Test in New Zealand since 1995, and they enter on a five-match losing streak. With swing-friendly conditions at Hagley Oval and the weather set fair for Day 1, New Zealand begin the series with the edge firmly in hand.
