As the three-match series heads to the Bay Oval, New Zealand will look to wrap up a 2-0 lead, while West Indies arrive desperate to end a 30-year wait for a home Test win on New Zealand soil. The visitors have shown flashes with the ball but continue to struggle with consistency in their batting, prompting a tactical tweak ahead of the third Test.
West Indies have recalled Alick Athanaze for the Mount Maunganui clash, replacing the injured Ojay Shields, in a bid to bolster the middle order against the Kiwis’ probing attack. Captain Roston Chase, who averages under 16 with the bat, has repeatedly highlighted the batting frailties, leaving Shai Hope and Justin Greaves to shoulder most of the scoring responsibility. Targeting 300 in the first innings appears a pragmatic approach on a pitch that typically offers early seam movement before bringing spinners into play later.
New Zealand, meanwhile, welcome back Tom Blundell after a hamstring injury, with the wicketkeeper-batter expected to slot straight into the XI. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel adds a tactical dimension, having bowled over 100 overs this season for Central Districts and recently surpassing 400 first-class wickets. Patel could play a pivotal role against a largely right-hand-dominant West Indies lineup and may feature in his first home Test since February 2020. Captain Tom Latham is also likely to call on Glenn Phillips or Michael Bracewell to support the spin attack.
The Kiwis’ pace battery has been heavily tested across the series, with Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes carrying significant workloads following injuries to Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner. Despite this, their seamers have consistently troubled the visitors, combining swing, bounce, and relentless accuracy. Batting-wise, New Zealand hold the upper hand, with Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryll Mitchell providing experience and stability.
For West Indies, the spotlight will fall on Kavem Hodge, who struggled to convert starts in Wellington but remains one of the few dependable options in the middle order. With Shai Hope anchoring the innings and Chase ready to bowl more in spinning conditions, the visitors hope to create opportunities to frustrate the home side. Tagenarine Chanderpaul remains unavailable, while Kemar Roach edges closer to a 300-wicket milestone.
The Bay Oval pitch is expected to offer early seam movement and carry, challenging batters initially before flattening out. By the third day, the surface typically assists spinners, making the late stages tricky, especially in a chase. Weather could play a role, with rain forecasts for days two and three potentially influencing proceedings.
Historically, the toss has played a subtle role at the Bay Oval, with the bowling side winning only once in the last four Tests. West Indies’ record in New Zealand remains stark, with just two wins from 16 Tests, highlighting the uphill task that awaits them. Meanwhile, New Zealand are hunting their 12th consecutive home series win, a feat second only to South Africa’s 17 in the last two decades.
With momentum firmly with the Kiwis but West Indies motivated to make history, the Mount Maunganui Test promises seamers versus spinners, resilience versus experience, and a chance to rewrite a long-standing record. Expect early fireworks, tactical battles in the middle, and a potential spin showdown as the contest unfolds in New Zealand’s newest Test venue.
Probable XIs:
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham (C), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (WK), Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel
West Indies: John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (C), Tevin Imlach (WK), Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales
Form Guide:
New Zealand: W D W W W
West Indies: L D L L L
