New Zealand vs West Indies 2017: 5 NZ players to watch out for in the Test series
Test cricket will return now to New Zealand after a gap of about eight months - which was also the last time the Kiwis played Test cricket. At home, New Zealand have been a tough team to beat as they have lost only 7 Tests at home since 2010.
Thus, New Zealand will fancy their chances to get back on track after their series loss to South Africa in March earlier this year.
Though they lost that series against the Proteas, they fought hard and were a bit unlucky with rain affecting their chances in two of the three Tests. In 2017, out of 5 Tests, they won 2, lost 1 and drew 2.
Also, the Windies are touring New Zealand after a gap of about 4 years.
Here we take a look at 5 Black Caps players to watch out for.
#5 Kane Williamson
The quiet nature of the New Zealand skipper has meant that his performances have largely gone unnoticed in 2017. Kane Williamson has enjoyed a very good year in all three formats (amassing more than 1200 runs at an average close to 50).
Right from the start of the year, he has been very consistent. However, particularly in Tests, he has been excellent. In 5 Tests played this year, he has scored 468 runs (with 3 hundreds) at a brilliant average of 78.
He is also a key part of New Zealand’s middle order as he controls the innings at No. 3. He will also need to counter the pace and aggression of a red-hot Windies pace attack (which comprises Gabriel, Roach, Holder and Cummins) who have been in some good form of late.
Hence, an in-form Williamson will be one of the players to watch out for in the series.