More than three decades have passed since West Indies last won a Test in New Zealand, a drought captain Roston Chase has repeatedly referenced during this three-match series. While the visitors have shown they possess a bowling attack capable of unsettling New Zealand, their batting has rarely functioned as a unit. Aside from a defiant second-innings stand in the opening Test — helped in part by New Zealand missing two frontline quicks through injury — runs have been hard to come by.
That imbalance has driven West Indies to reinforce their batting for the final Test at Mount Maunganui, with Alick Athanaze coming into the XI in place of the injured seamer Ojay Shields. It is a pragmatic move, but one that only partially addresses a deeper issue that has dogged the side throughout the series.
Chase himself averages under 16 with the bat since becoming captain, and beyond Shai Hope and Justin Greaves, meaningful contributions have been fleeting. Injuries and form fluctuations have compounded the instability. On the eve of the Test, Chase set a modest but realistic target: a first-innings total of 300.
At the Bay Oval, that figure carries weight. Early seam movement is often pronounced, while spin tends to grow in influence as the match progresses — a pattern reflected in New Zealand’s decision to include Ajaz Patel in their squad. Even if Patel does not make the XI, the part-time spin of Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra could pose questions for a brittle batting order.
New Zealand, meanwhile, remain well placed despite their own challenges. Injuries to Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner across the first two Tests have forced Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes into heavy workloads, but the hosts’ depth has held. With the bat, there is room for improvement, yet collectively they still appear a cut above the visitors.
After victory in Wellington, New Zealand will be eyeing a 2-0 series result. West Indies arrive with urgency and belief, but whether they possess the tools to convert that resolve into a rare Test win in these conditions remains uncertain.
In the spotlight: Ajaz Patel and Kavem Hodge
Ajaz Patel has not played a Test since New Zealand’s tour of India in 2024-25, where he delivered a match-winning performance — 11 for 160 — to help seal a 3-0 sweep. Since then, he has remained active across formats, featuring in all four Plunket Shield matches for Central Districts this season and passing the milestone of 400 first-class wickets. Having already bowled more than 100 overs this campaign, Patel arrives in strong rhythm. With West Indies’ batting heavily right-handed, he could play a more influential role than simply holding an end, should he be selected for his first home Test since February 2020.
Kavem Hodge, who turns 33 in February, is the second-oldest batter in West Indies’ squad but remains a figure under scrutiny. Despite 12 Tests, he averages under 25. Still, a lack of compelling alternatives has kept him in the frame. Recalled for the second Test to strengthen the batting, Hodge fell for a duck in the first innings but was West Indies’ most fluent scorer in the second before a superb catch from Will Young ended his stay. At Mount Maunganui, the visitors will hope he can finally anchor the No. 3 role he inherited in Wellington.
Team news
Tom Blundell has recovered from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Wellington Test and is expected to return, which means debutant Mitchell Hay — despite a maiden half-century — has been released from the squad. Ajaz Patel replaced the injured Blair Tickner in the New Zealand squad, though captain Tom Latham said a final call on his inclusion will be made on match day. There may also be a decision to make between Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell as the spin-bowling allrounder.
New Zealand (probable):
Devon Conway, Tom Latham (capt), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel
West Indies have confirmed their XI, with Athanaze the only change. Chase has indicated he will bowl more himself in spin-friendly conditions. Tagenarine Chanderpaul remains unavailable.
West Indies:
John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (capt), Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales
Pitch and conditions
The Bay Oval typically offers lively seam movement early, particularly during the first two sessions, with good bounce and carry. Batting becomes easier as the surface flattens, but from day three onward, the pitch often begins to grip, bringing slow turn into play. Chasing late in the match can be difficult as deterioration sets in. Rain is forecast for days two and three, which could interrupt momentum.
Stats and trivia
- Ajaz Patel is yet to take a Test wicket in New Zealand despite three home appearances.
- Kemar Roach is seven wickets shy of becoming the fifth West Indies bowler to reach 300 Test wickets.
- Teams have chosen to bowl first in the last four Tests at Mount Maunganui — and lost three of them.
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West Indies have won just two of their last 16 Tests and remain winless in the current WTC cycle after seven matches.
