Beleaguered West Indies opt for day off

Perhaps it was the rare treat of a sunny day that swung the decision for the West Indies brains trust.

Or it could easily have been the lack of fit and able bodies.

Whatever the reason, the visitors surprisingly decided not to train in Hamilton yesterday ahead of the final match in their five-game one-day series against New Zealand at Seddon Park tomorrow.

The Windies weren't the only ones with their feet up - the Black Caps also took the day off. But the hosts aren't the team who are 2-1 down in the series (with Napier's match abandoned) and looking as if they have no clues as to how to climb out of an ever-deepening rut.

Some extra catching practice would not go amiss for starters, after they shelled a string of gobbers in Nelson on Saturday to allow New Zealand to mount a formidable tally batting first.

That is not to say the Windies don't also need to work on batting and bowling as well - with a little session on running between the wickets also recommended.