Pacers crucial to victory
Assistant coach Roddy Estwick believes West Indies fast bowlers will have a critical role to play if the Caribbean side is to make an impact in the two-Test series against the Black Caps starting next month.
Coming off the recent Zimbabwe tour where spinners were vital because of the slow, turning tracks, Estwick said the conditions in New Zealand provided the opportunity for the Windies attack to show their quality.
“Obviously, the spinners played a bigger role in Zimbabwe because the pitches were low and slow and the ball spun quite a bit,” Estwick said following Sunday’s second day of the three-day tour match against New Zealand A.
“Here in New Zealand the ball bounces a lot more and carries through a lot more to the keeper, so you expect your fast bowlers to really do the bulk of the bowling.
“It was a good that the fast bowlers got a run out [on Sunday]. You’re trying to cover all your bases depending on which pitch turns up in the first Test match.”
Front-line pacers Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and captain Jason Holder all turned in solid shifts, while Miguel Cummins and the uncapped Raymon Reifer also impressed, as the hosts were dismissed for 231 in their first innings at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval. West Indies had declared at their overnight 451 for nine. Estwick said it was important for the pace attack to use the outing to familiarise themselves with conditions, ahead of the Test series.
“They’re trying to get accustomed to the conditions, the different lines and different lengths you have to bowl,” he explained.
“The pitches are completely different to what we encountered in Zimbabwe, so all in all, it was a very good day.”