3rd Test: West Indies v New Zealand at Bridgetown

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Head coach Ottis Gibson says he is hoping his three-pronged pace attack finds some pace in the Kensington Oval pitch, as West Indies chase a series victory over New Zealand in the final Test which bowls off here Thursday.

The Windies seamers found life difficult on a flat surface in the Sabina Park Test which the hosts lost by 186 runs inside four days and also struggled on a similar pitch at Queen’s Park Oval last week, when they won by ten wickets to level the three-Test series.

Gibson said the victory had given the Windies momentum and said a pacy pitch would provide the ideal conditions for his attack to flourish in what was a decisive Test.

“Momentum is a great thing in sport. You hear people talk about it in every sport and we have it at the moment and we need to continue it,” Gibson pointed out.

Bridgetown: Jamaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor, who has been riding the wave of a triumphant return to international cricket, is eyeing a significant milestone when West Indies take on New Zealand in the third and deciding Test match on Thursday.

Taylor, who enters the match at Kensington oval with 92 wickets, says he has his eyes set on the magical 100 milestone, reports CMC.

"When I started the series I was thinking about it (100 wickets). I was thinking that if I bowled well enough I would get pretty close," said Taylor.

"It would be good to get eight wickets or more... not just for me but for the team. That would be something special and truly satisfying as I look to bigger and better things ahead."
Taylor, who turns 30, has been the most impressive bowler in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand.
So far he has taken 10 wickets at an impressive average of 17.20 runs per wickets.
"I'm focussed on winning. I always focus on winning. I play to win," he said.
"Every time I step out onto the park I try to make an impact and try to bowl the team to victory. It doesn't always work that way but hard work pays off and I know once I work hard I will get the reward."
"I'm happy with the way I'm bowling but there is always room for improvement. I'm up for it in this Test match as I was in Jamaica and Trinidad. I'm feeling really great in mind, body and soul."

Part-time off-spinner Kane Williamson is said to be “miffed” at having his action reported to the International Cricket Council.

The New Zealander was reported by umpires for having a suspected illegal action, following the second Test against West Indies in Port of Spain which the hosts won by ten wickets.

“He [Williamson] realises he’s not the only player in the world who has a suspected illegal bowling action so he’s a little bit miffed because he’s been doing the same thing for a couple of years,” said Blacks Caps head coach Mike Hesson said.

“If that’s the case and they want to clamp down, then all players and coaches want is a level of consistency.”

Umpires raised concern over a number of deliveries by Williamson following the contest at Queen’s Park Oval, and he will now have his action tested within 21 days, as per ICC stipulations. However, he will be allowed to continue bowling until the results of the tests are known. Williamson sent down 14 overs during the second Test, taking a single wicket.