New Zealand eye big start to WTC cycle as Williamson returns

New Zealand begin their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign, the last of the nine teams to do so. Their last Test was four months ago against Zimbabwe, and their previous WTC fixture was a year ago, a 2-1 series loss to England at home.

Kane Williamson returns to the Test side after missing the series against Zimbabwe and the recent ODIs against West Indies. On the bowling front, Zakary Foulkes, who took 9 for 75 on debut against Zimbabwe, could make his first home Test appearance.

West Indies have had a difficult start to their WTC cycle, suffering a 3-0 whitewash at home to Australia—including being bowled out for 27 in the final Test—followed by a 2-0 defeat in India. However, they showed resilience in the second Test against India, taking the game to Day 5 after being forced to follow-on, with centuries from John Campbell and Shai Hope.

The visitors will aim to build on that performance, but New Zealand start as clear favourites.

When: December 2-6, 11 AM Local (3:30 AM IST)
Where: Hagley Oval, Christchurch
What to expect: A slight chance of precipitation early, with possible drizzle and overcast conditions throughout. At Hagley Oval, teams batting second have won 10 of 16 Tests. Overcast conditions could aid lateral movement on Day 1.

Kane Williamson returns to the side. Fast bowlers Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy could feature alongside Matt Henry and Nathan Smith, with Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra providing spin options.

New Zealand Probable XI: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway/Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes

West Indies may drop Jomel Warrican for a four-man seam attack, with captain Roston Chase offering spin when needed.

West Indies Probable XI: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (wk), Justin Greaves, Anderson Phillip, Johan Layne, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales