New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd Test Match Preview and Insights

The 3rd test between New Zealand and West Indies is slated to start on December 18 at Mount Maunganui. After giving a commanding performance in the last game, the home side is looking confident to win this match with a big margin. The seam-friendly conditions at Mount Maunganui are expected to help New Zealand put pressure on West Indies, who are struggling to find momentum in the series.

The 2nd test of New Zealand vs West Indies at Wellington looked like a one-sided contest. The Black Caps dominated it from the first day, ensuring not to repeat the mistakes made in the first match. As a result, the Wellington test went in their favor, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead over West Indies in the series.

As far as West Indies are concerned, they will come into the third test with a lot to prove. The visitors didn’t showcase anything good with the bat in the Wellington test, so they will need to come up with a better performance in the last match of the series. Their bowling has performed decently in the last two matches; however, they will need to bring something extra to the table in the Mount Maunganui contest.

In this article, we will take a look at how both teams are preparing for the final match of the series. We will first provide a quick recap of the last match to understand how New Zealand secured a comprehensive victory over the West Indies at Wellington.

A Quick Recap of the Last Match

The second match of the New Zealand vs West Indies test series at Wellington exhibited the prowess of Black Caps. The home team entered the game with plenty of lessons learned from the previous match. They showcased better performance with the ball, which became a decisive factor for them to win the match.

In the first innings, West Indies managed to score just 205 runs, as Blair Tickner took 4 wickets to rout the batting lineup of the visitors quickly. In response to that, New Zealand scored 278 runs and declared the innings with a lead of 73.

The West Indies batting lineup then struggled again, as they got out for just 128 runs in the second innings. This eventually gave New Zealand an easy target of 56 runs, which they achieved quickly to secure victory in the second test.

New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd Test: Key Strategy for the Caribbean Team

West Indies need to find quick fixes in batting before the third test at Mount Maunganui. They are struggling badly with their top order, which has become a major concern for them. The disappointing opening pair of John Campbell and Brandon King can come under more pressure in the seam-friendly conditions at Mount Maunganui if they continue to rely on flawed techniques. It is therefore important for West Indies to reassess their opening options, as making mistakes in this test is not an option for them.

Talking about the bowling plans, West Indies will prefer to bowl first in the seaming conditions of Mount Maunganui. Their bowlers have performed well in the series, so they will come into this match with plenty of confidence. The role of Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales would be crucial, as their striking ability will provide West Indies with an opportunity to apply early pressure on New Zealand.

New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd Test: Key Strategy for the New Zealand Team

New Zealand will enter the third Test with a set plan that worked well for them in the previous match. They will look to put pressure on the West Indies batters, who are currently struggling to handle the pace and bounce of the NZ pitches. The duo of Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes will aim to take early breakthroughs, helping New Zealand establish a strong position in the match.

As far as batting is concerned, New Zealand will need to do some work in its middle order. In the previous matches, West Indies bowlers found success in removing the middle order of New Zealand quickly, so they need to find an effective solution for that. Besides this, the conditions are in favor of the New Zealand team, so they would be feeling confident to repeat a similar performance against WI in the upcoming match.  

Probable Playing XI for West Indies

Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (captain), Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Ojay Shields

Probable Playing XI for New Zealand

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Zakary Foulkes, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae

Final Words

The upcoming New Zealand vs West Indies test match at Mount Maunganui would be a competitive contest because both teams are looking for a win. New Zealand will try to secure a victory to clinch the series, whereas West Indies will aim to outclass the Kiwis to level the series. It will therefore be an exciting match in which fans will experience quality cricket from both sides.