West Indies cricket team faces about six weeks of play on a much flatter and faster wicket with the ball coming on to the bat. These conditions are much better for the West Indies batmen. West Indies will play three Test matches, five One-Day internationals and two Twenty20’s. The series start on Dec. 3 with the first Test match and goes all the way to Jan. 15, 2014 for the final Twenty20 match.
West Indies squad for the Test series are as follows: Darren Sammy, Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cotterell, Shannon Gabriel, Veerasammy Permaul, Chadwick Walton, Shane Shillingford, Marlon Samuels and Kieran Powell.
Note: Chris Gayle suffered a hamstring and returned to Jamaica. If there is no replacement for Gayle, Kirk Edwards will open the batting with Powell. Tino Best, Shannon Gabriel along with Sheldon Cotterell are the quick bowlers. Kemar Roach is injured.
LENDL SIMMONS SHOULD RETURN TO TEST CRICKET
Lendl Simmons should find himself back into the Test squad because his batting has been very favorable. When Shivnarine Chanderpaul exits the West Indies team, it should be easier for Simmons to regain his place on the Test team.
West Indies cricketers should be ready for the different condition in New Zealand and it is hoped that their performances will be enhanced. Narsingh Deonarine must hold on to his middle order position in Test because he has the capabilities of staying at the wicket and scoring. Spinners Shane Shillingford and Veerasammy Permaul will perform on the New Zealand wicket. Cottrell, the new young pacer, will have his opportunity as well. New Zealand tour will be a great experience for the young players to gain some experience.
