CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand will look to continue their dominance over the West Indies as the two teams kick off their World Test Championship series at Hagley Oval on Tuesday. The Black Caps are eager to start their WTC campaign on a strong note, having already swept the Caribbean visitors in the T20 and ODI series last month.
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New Zealand won the inaugural WTC title in 2021 and know how crucial home victories are to reaching the next final in 2027, particularly after four losses in seven home Tests in 2024 dented their previous campaign. “Winning at home is important… so we’re looking to start strong and lay down a marker early,” said coach Rob Walter, who takes charge for the first time in a Test series.
Our 14-man squad to kick off a new World Test Championship Cycle against the West Indies! FULL STORY – https://t.co/ccuooUrPoP
The first Tegel Test starts December 2 in Christchurch.#NZvWIN pic.twitter.com/VKNqwxrfUS
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 23, 2025
The West Indies, who were comprehensively beaten by Australia and India in their recent red-ball series, last won a Test in New Zealand in 1995. Skipper Roston Chase said the team aims to replicate the positive approach shown in the ODIs and T20s. “The main goal for us is to play good cricket and make the Kiwis work as hard as possible,” he said.
Veteran paceman Kemar Roach’s return adds fire to the West Indies attack, while New Zealand will field a refreshed seam attack in the absence of Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears. Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, who debuted against Zimbabwe earlier this year, will join Matt Henry and Blair Tickner in leading the pace attack.
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Captain Tom Latham expressed excitement over the team’s new look. “We’ve seen the likes of Foulkes, Duffy and Tickner come into the international scene and perform straight away, which is really exciting,” he said, highlighting New Zealand’s depth in seam options.