Big blow for West Indies as 2 star pacers ruled out of New Zealand Tests, replacements announced

West Indies have suffered a massive blow even before the commencement of the three-match Test series against New Zealand. The pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph have been ruled out of the series due to injuries. In their place, experienced seamer Kemar Roach and all-rounder Kevam Hodge have been selected in the 15-member squad.

West Indies opt for pace heavy attack

Due to the two pacers' absence, West Indies have had to choose a rather inexperienced bowling attack that includes 29-year-old Ojay Shields, who has got his maiden Test call-up. They have decided to go for a total of six pace options and two spin options with Hodge being one of them. One of the spinners who wasn't able to find a place in the team for the upcoming assignment is Khary Pierre, who featured in both the Tests against India.

"New Zealand has traditionally been one of the toughest places for any touring side… The recent high-performance camp here in Antigua was designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the conditions we expect to face, particularly the pace-friendly surfaces," Cricket West Indies' Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe said.

West Indies' abysmal start to new WTC cycle

West Indies will be hoping to register their first victory of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They have so far played five matches in the new cycle, lossing all of them and sitting at the bottom of the standings. The Windies had first suffered a 0-3 series whitewash against Australia at home before India went on to hand them a 2-0 series defeat. On the other hand, New Zealand will be beginning the new cycle with the upcoming series and will be hoping to start on a positive note.

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The first Test of the series will be played from December 2 in Christchurch before the action moves to Wellington for the second match that will commence from December 10. The series finale will be played in Mount Maunganui from December 18.

West Indies' squad for New Zealand Tests: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice- Captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields