‘Beware of the dog’ - Windies coach
Starved of test cricket for eight months, West Indies coach Stuart Law sees little vulnerability in the New Zealand ranks in favourable home conditions.
Yesterday, the West Indies completed their first training run in Christchurch in balmy 20 degree heat ahead of their three-day tour opener against New Zealand A at Lincoln, starting on Saturday.
White ball cricket has dominated for the Black Caps with their last test back in late March in Hamilton, where they drew against South Africa, losing the series 1-0.
It has been a busier schedule for the West Indies, who overcame Zimbabwe 1-0 last month for a rare away test series victory and an inconsistent tour of England in August-September, where they lost the tests 2-1.
Former Australian batsman Law, who has been in charge of the West Indies since January, was under no illusion what his side could expect in New Zealand.
They haven’t beaten New Zealand in an away test since 1995 when greats Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh were in their pomp. The last time they toured the country in the summer of 2013-14, they lost the three-match test series 2-0 and Law labelled the Black Caps firm favourites.
‘‘Beware of the dog, in their own backyard as well. They’re a very tough side. We know that they’re going to be highly competitive in conditions they’re very comfortable in and understand wholly and solely,’’ he said.
‘‘[New Zealand] always provide a great contest no matter who they play against. They tend to grow 10 foot tall and become bullet proof. We know we’ve got it tough, but I’m confident that our boys can give a really good account of themselves.’’
Law predicted similar seamfriendly surfaces to what they experienced in England when they meet the Black Caps in the first test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from December 1-5 and Hamilton’s Seddon Park over December 9-13.
They took plenty of heart from their upset five-wicket win over England in the second test at Leeds, which came on the back of an innings mauling in the opener at Birmingham.
Right-arm quicks Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach, who will lead the attack, have been two of Law’s most improved performers this year. He believed they had the ability to cause problems for New Zealand’s batsmen but stressed taking early wickets away from home was pivotal for confidence levels.
‘‘Traditionally here, they do have a bit more grass on them than most places around the world ...
‘‘Normally in New Zealand, they back their quicks and their batters to play on wickets that
have got a bit in them. It’s a little bit more of a contest between bat and ball.’’
The West Indies top five was a work in progress with a vacancy in the crucial No.3 slot following the axing of Kyle Hope, the only change from the Zimbabwe tour.
Law spoke favourably about opener Kraigg Brathwaite and Hope’s younger brother, Shai, who both made valuable runs in England and would be integral to their batting fortunes.
Facing the experienced new ball combination of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and workhorse Neil Wagner will be a stern challenge, but one they shouldn’t be intimidated by.
Having typically struggled in New Zealand, Law is determined to see his side, who sit eighth in the world test rankings, take matches deep into day five, which should mean they’re in contention.
‘‘That’s No.1, you try and draw it out as long as you can. The longer you stay in the contest, the more chance you have of winning.’’