NZ vs WI: Five Players to watch out for in the Test series

New Zealand and West Indies will fight against each other in two Test fixtures, starting from December 3 in Hamilton. The visitors will try to put their best foot forward in order to redeem their loss in the T20I series by 2-0 against New Zealand. Ahead of the highly-anticipated red-ball series, here’s a list of 5 players who are expected to shine for their respective teams.

5. Neil Wagner

The left-handed bowler had started his Test career in international cricket with a series against West Indies in 2012. Though the seamer had his own ups and downs, in recent years he has proved to be a promising wicket-taking option for the Kiwis. His ability to bounce out the batsmen helped him take 206 wickets in 48 Test games at an average of 26.6 and economy of 3.06.

4. Kemar Roach

An absolute cherry from Kemar Roach. ? pic.twitter.com/nnvStvHeU6

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 24, 2020

Since his debut in 2009 against Bangladesh in a Test match, the right-arm fast bowler Kemar Roach has emerged as one of the most dependable bowlers for the Caribbean nation. In 59 Test games, Roach has 201 wickets to his name at an economy rate of 3.09 and average of 27.5. The Barbados-born seamer had shined on the slow pitches of England earlier this year in July 2020 and West Indies would expect him to be at his fluent best in New Zealand too.

3. Will Young

Will Young is expected to make his debut for the Men in Black in the Test series against West Indies. The young middle-order batsman has been impressive in the domestic Plunket Shield Trophy and constantly scores runs for his team. He has 4944 runs in 77 First-class games at an average of 43 along with 1979 runs in 57 List A games at 37.3. With such exemplary performances, Young is touted as the next big thing in New Zealand cricket.

2. Kyle Jamieson

☝️ Bruce c Guptill b Jamieson
☝️ Cleaver b Jamieson

And then Kyle Jamieson produces this hat-trick ball ??? pic.twitter.com/HQUYo9Ypi3

— ICC (@ICC) October 28, 2020

The right-arm fast-medium bowler hailing from Auckland Kyle Jamieson had made his debut for New Zealand against India earlier this year. Jamieson had a dream debut as he had named batting great Cheteshwar Pujara as his first international Test wicket. Playing in his first Test game, the 25-year-old took 4 wickets followed by 5 wickets in the first innings of the second Test match against India. The young gun is expected to continue his good form in red-ball cricket and help his team register victory in the Test series.

1. Jason Holder

The number 1 ranked all-rounder in ICC’s Test rankings, West Indies Test skipper Jason Holder will have to play his best game if the Caribbean team wants to succeed in the two-match Test series against New Zealand. The 29-year-old has 116 Test scalps to his name in 43 fixtures at a stunning economy of 2.57 and average of 26.7. Holder has also made some significant contributions with the willow as he has 2012 runs under his belt at an average of 31.9 in 43 games.