NZ Begin WTC Cycle as Favourites vs Patchwork WI

After more than a year break, Kane Williamson will be at the center of attention in Christchurch when New Zealand will start their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 27 campaign. Since his last Test in December 2024, the veteran batter has reduced his international workload, retired from T20Is, and seen that the New Zealand cricket scene has changed with a domestic T20 league planned for 2027. Maybe fans will not get another chance to watch him playing in New Zealand in whites until the end of 2026, as his home Test appearances will probably become rare.

Although New Zealand have dominated ODI cricket at home with 11 consecutive series wins, their Test form in their backyard has been less convincing. They have won only two out of their last seven home Test series, and one of those victories was against a weakened South Africa. The team has been hampered by injuries, but they are still the outright favourites for the series as the West Indies are in even more turmoil.

Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph are both recovering from injuries and thus West Indies have brought back Kemar Roach who last played a Test in January. The West Indies squad also has Ojay Shields, a 29 year old ex PE teacher who is yet to debut. Jayden Seales will be available before leaving for the ILT20 but the overall bowling depth is still a big worry. There are also several batting issues who will bat at No. 3, whether Tevin Imlach should be the wicketkeeper, and whether Brandon King’s fast bowling ability is required and the team looks unsettled. Moreover, historically, Christchurch hasn’t been very nice to them either; West Indies haven’t won a Test in New Zealand since 1995.

Key Players to Watch

After walking away with a 3 0 series win in India last year, Tom Latham who was instrumental for New Zealand, is coming back to action after several injury setbacks and a decline in his form. Nevertheless, his recent local cricket performances, in particular a fifty in Plunket Shield and some great Ford Trophy innings, have been quite reassuring.

Jayden Seales is still the main weapon West Indies must rely on. Although he did not get much support in India, his ability to swing the ball and hitting the deck with bounce can still trouble any batting lineup, and thus, his first ever confrontation with Williamson is anticipated to be the most exciting part of the series.

Team Combinations

On the top, New Zealand has to decide whether it is Devon Conway or Will Young who will open innings and also make a decision about Jacob Duffy or Blair Tickner who will be the partner of Matt Henry in the bowling attack. Zak Foulkes, the player who spoke to the media before the match, may make his debut whereas Daryl Mitchell is free from his groin injury.

West Indies might drop their spinner Jomel Warrican to strengthen their seam bowling and Brandon King could be reintroduced to the XI. Captain Roston Chase is likely to be the one delivering some of the most valuable overs with his offspin.

Traditionally, Hagley Oval is the ground where the new ball bowlers get their swing, although the green surface usually levels after the first session. The weather for the first day of the match is going to be clear, and a few showers are expected on day two.