Top 5 wicket-takers in Tests between New Zealand and West Indies
The stage is set for an enthralling clash between New Zealand and West Indies. The first Test of the 2-match series is slated to begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday. With plenty of promising fast bowlers in each team, a captivating showdown between two potent pace attacks on seam-friendly pitches is the offing. Both sets of batsmen are likely to be put under stern examinations in technique and temperament.
Also Read: Top 5 run-scorers in Tests between New Zealand and West Indies
Over the years, Tests between New Zealand and West Indies have usually been close and intense affairs. Let us take a look at some of the best bowlers who have managed to rattle batting lineups and influence matches held between these two teams.
Here are the most prolific wicket-takers in the rivalry encompassing Test matches played in New Zealand as well as in the Caribbean. With the exception of a certain left-arm spinner, all the names in this particular list are fast bowlers.
#5 Trent Boult - *33 wickets
Current ICC Players rankings may place him at the 13th spot. However, not many bowlers are as threatening as Trent Boult at the moment. Capable of generating sharp movement and swinging the new ball both ways, he keeps opposition batsmen on their toes with his remarkable control. Seven matches out of Boult's 50 Test appearances have come against West Indies. He has picked 33 wickets at an impressive average of 22.09 and an astounding strike-rate of 44.9.
Boult's career best innings as well as match figures have come against West Indies. After scything through their batting lineup with figures of 6/40 in the first innings, he picked four more scalps when the visitors followed on in the 2013 Wellington Test.
Even though numbers may not reveal the complete picture, the left-armer bowled consistently and played his part in New Zealand's 2-1 series victory in 2014 in the Caribbean. If he continues to operate as per reputation, he can move as farther as second spot in this particular list after the completion of the 2017 series.
(*Note: All Statistics are accurate as of 30th November 2017 and do not include numbers from the 2017 Wellington Test)