FIVE WEST INDIAN PLAYERS TO WATCH
They might not boast the electric names of past New Zealand tours, but the West Indies test squad is desperate for respect Down Under. Here’s five players to watch over the two-match series, beginning in Wellington next Friday.
Shannon Gabriel
Age: 29. Record: 30 tests, 76 wickets at 34.
If the West Indies are to unsettle New Zealand’s top order, much will rest on Gabriel’s burly shoulders. He’ll lead the new ball attack alongside fellow right-arm quick Kemar Roach, and the West Indies will count on their experience to make early inroads. Has only taken two five-wicket bags during his 30 tests, both coming against Pakistan, in home conditions and away in the UAE.
Shai Hope
Age: 24. Record: 15 tests, 921 runs at 35.42. 100s: 2.
Hope by name and nature. The right-hander, who usually bats four, is one of the rising stars of West Indies cricket and a danger man with the bat. He put his name in bright lights in their upset fivewicket win over England in the second test at Leeds in August, hitting an unbeaten 118 in the second dig, to go along with 147 in the first innings. Hope was the side’s leading run scorer during the threematch series, amassing 375 at 75. He backed up that feat in a twomatch test series against Zimbabwe last month, notching 174 runs from three innings at 87.
Kraigg Brathwaite
Age: 24. Record: 42 tests, 2719 runs at 36.74. 100s: 6.
The Barbadian opener and vice captain is the most experienced player in the touring party, along with quick Kemar Roach, both having played 42 tests. He has been a cornerstone of the side in recent years, after becoming the fifth youngest West Indian to debut in a test in 2011, aged 18 years, 170 days. Has fond memories playing against New Zealand, scoring his maiden test ton against them at Port of Spain in 2014. Like Hope, Brathwaite was influential in the Leeds victory over England, backing up his 134 in the first innings with 95 against a quality attack.
Kemar Roach
Age: 29. Record: 42 tests, 141 wickets at 29.46.
Far from a fast bowling giant at 1.73m, Roach makes up for his lack of height with his explosive pace