New Zealand vs West Indies 2017: 5 reasons why the Kiwis can whitewash Windies in the Test series

New Zealand return to Test cricket after a span of eight months. West Indies, meanwhile, will be visiting the country for the first time since 2013.

The head-to-head record between the two is even-stevens. Both the Windies and the Kiwis have won 13 games apiece with 19 Tests ending in draws. However, West Indies haven’t won a Test match in the island nation since 1995. With confidence flowing through their veins though, they can provide stiff competition to the Kiwis.

After losing a closely-contested series against South Africa, the Kiwis will be keen to get back on track. Here, we look at five reasons why the Blackcaps can dominate the series and whitewash West Indies.

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#5 Good record at home

Most teams in the world have a good home record and New Zealand are not an exception. In their last 25 Tests at home, they’ve lost only four, Australia and South Africa being the only two teams to have beaten them.

In fact, between 2012 and 2016, they went through a phase where they didn’t lose a single Test at home. Australia ended that streak in February 2016 (in Brendon McCullum’s farewell series). This year, they’ve played five Tests at home, winning two and losing one.

Even when Bangladesh racked up almost 600 runs in the first innings, New Zealand found a way to get out of trouble and win that Test match. They were a touch unlucky in the South Africa series when rain affected their chances in two out of the three Tests.

Therefore, New Zealand are a force to reckon with in home conditions and West Indies will need to be at their best to have a chance.

#4 Reliable No. 3 and No. 4

Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor form the core of New Zealand's batting

In Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, New Zealand have an extremely solid middle order capable of dealing with any bowling attack in the world.

Williamson has enjoyed a brilliant 2017 in all three formats. He has racked up more than 1200 runs and averages close to 50 in all the formats. Meanwhile, Taylor has also scored more than 1000 runs in Tests and ODIs.

With New Zealand's lower middle order still finding its feet, these two have stepped up more often than not and delivered for the team and they will be looking to do so once again.

#3 Vulnerable West Indies

West Indies haven't been consistent in the last few years

West Indies haven’t won a Test series against a top 7 side since 2012 (their last Test series victory was against New Zealand at home in July 2012). Though they have improved in the past year, results haven’t gone their way as they have won just four Tests since the beginning of 2015.

Moreover, most of their batsmen haven’t played in New Zealand before and will need to get accustomed to the conditions. They are also a little susceptible against the moving ball, something we saw in England earlier this year.

In addition to that, West Indies are prone to batting collapses. They have often notched up good first innings totals, only to throw it all away at the second attempt and lose the game.

Hence, New Zealand can exploit these weak points and capitalize on them.

#2 Solid opening combo

Raval and Latham have been pretty consistent as an opening pair

Martin Guptill has failed to replicate his limited-overs success in Test cricket, hence the Blackcaps have invested in Gujarat-born Jeet Raval to fill the void at the top of the order. He has complemented the solid Tom Latham very well.

In seaming conditions at home, they average close to 40 as an opening combo this year (2017). In addition to this, they’ve been in very good form individually as well. In the seven Tests Raval has played thus far in his career, he averages almost 45. His opening partner, Latham has scored 376 runs in five Tests at an average of 53.71.

Hence, New Zealand’s top order looks settled, solid and in some good form.

#1 Pace Attack

Boult and Southee are menacing with the new ball

New Zealand have one of the best new-ball pairs (Trent Boult and Tim Southee) in world cricket today. However, Southee, who is awaiting the birth of his child, will miss the first Test.

Despite Southee’s absence, the Blackcaps have enough backup options. Matt Henry will most likely replace Southee in the line-up. He has been up and ready whenever an opportunity has come his way. Even when he was called in for the final Test against South Africa, he picked up five wickets (4/93 and 1/20) against a strong batting side.

Boult and Wagner have been regulars in the Test side for quite some time now. Everyone knows what Boult can do. He swings the ball viciously in favourable conditions and can also adapt to different conditions very effectively.

Wagner, meanwhile, is a workhorse. He runs in with the same intensity all day and can bowl long spells. He is also the highest wicket-taker in Tests for the Blackcaps in 2017 (22 wickets).

Hence, with a solid pace attack, New Zealand have the upper hand in home conditions.