Wagon : New Zealand v West Indies at Dunedin

It will be hard work for the quicker bowlers, especially when the Kookaburra stops swinging

after 20 overs (if it has even done it for that long).

Swing is not really a natural attribute for any of the West Indies bowlers.

That factor gives New Zealand an early headstart.

Roach's absence is a significant blow which robs the attack of an incisive weapon and a talisman.

For all of Tino Best's bluster, his results are rarely as compelling as Roach's.

Shannon Gabriel, who impressed on his Test debut at Lord's in 2012 before succumbing to injury,

and Saluting Soldier Cottrell remain raw and liable to release any pressure created :

while the debate continues around Darren Sammy's role. 

Led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult, backed up by the tireless Neil Wagner and Doug Bracewell

will be eager to exploit a West Indies top order where footwork is not always to the fore;

do not be surprised to see Samuels and Shivnarine Chanderpaul together at :

50 for 3.... :-[

Gibson said his side was likely just to play two frontline seamers and use Darren Sammy as the third pace option along with either Shillingford or Sunil Narine providing spin.

There were plenty of other reasons for the tourists to be behind the eight ball. including the cold weather and the lack of preparation - for most of the squad - in New Zealand conditions, but Gibson was having none of it.
"It's still cricket," he said. "That's all I'm asking the guys to do - forget about the flights and stuff and focus on the cricket.

Any team, playing a tour match with more opposition players, bowling action investigation, visa crisis, continued discussions about the Captain do not bode well for a successful tour.

Key players missing is never good for prospects but at least they would have had some stern preparations against India, which should help?

I think this team, irrespective of who are playing, is going through the motions and that suggests to me, change have to be afoot.

I wish the team well but this New Zealand team is not the same one, mentally, they met at home.

[quote author=The Chairman link=topic=85642.msg535857#msg535857 date=1385920827]
Gibson said his side was likely just to play two frontline seamers and use Darren Sammy as the third pace option along with either Shillingford or Sunil Narine providing spin.
[/quote]
Well that's pretty much settled then *sigh*

I hope they can play Shilly and instead of Scammy they could easily fit in Deo in there. Oh well.

Head colds, wrong time zone, lacking sleep, green top, missing players, suspect actions,. if the Windies last three days it could be classed as a victory.

West Indies Test captain Darren Sammy says that the tour of New Zealand offers his side a good chance to end 2013 on a high note following a disappointing tour of India.

The opening Test is set to get underway in a matter of hours at the University Oval in Dunedin and Sammy, along with his team-mates, has had to adapt quickly to conditions in New Zealand.

That, however, is just part of the lot of an international sportsman, Sammy says, and he expects his team to start well.

Chance is an Obeah man living in Plaisance !