West Indies Look to Extend Winning Momentum

Antigua: After winning both the T20I and ODI series, West Indies will be looking for a successful outing in the two-Test series.

Adrain Barath and Kieron Powell will battle for one spot at the top of the order while a century in the practice match should help Narsingh Deonarine edge past Assad Fudadin for a spot in the middle order.

Fit-again fast bowler Kemar Roach is looking to make a big impact when he returns to the Test side. The right-armer, who was forced out of the recent tour of England with a shin injury, signalled a return to full fitness with a devastating burst on the opening day of the three-day match against the Kiwis here last Friday.

Injuries might just force New Zealand's hands. Neil Wagner will make his debut in all probability with Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee fighting for the third seamer's spot.

Teams from:

West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels, Tino Best, Adrian Barath, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Assad Fudadin, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach, Narsingh Deonarine

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (captain), Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tarun Nethula, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Kruger van Wyk (wk), Daniel Vettori, Neil Wagner

Pitch and Conditions
The pitch as well as the outfield will be under close scrutiny. On the evidence of the practice match, it should stay low and slow. Scattered showers have been predicted for the entire duration of the Test.

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand last lost a Test against West Indies in Barbados in 1996. Since then, they have won five and drawn five.
• Chris Gayle is just 63 runs away from surpassing Gordon Greenidge as the highest run-getter for West Indies against New Zealand. Gayle has scored 820 runs in seven Tests at 74.54.

Match facts
July 25-29, 2012
Start time 1000 local (1400 GMT)