BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – For the second time in four days, West Indies will try to steady their nerves as they chase a series-clinching lead in the fourth game of the five-match One-Day International series against New Zealand here today.
Their first attempt on Wednesday ended in disappointment when they went down by 88 runs at Warner Park, on the backs of a miserable batting performance as they chased a moderate total.
The defeat allowed the Black Caps to fight their way back into the series and claim precious momentum.
Another loss for the Windies would leave Monday’s final ODI as the decisive game but coach Ottis Gibson said his side had done the necessary reflection and he expected them to make amends.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have been invigorated by Wednesday’s victory and all-rounder Jacob Oram said it was important the visitors win again today to carry the series down to the fifth game.
New Zealand have also been boosted by the inclusion of the experienced Brendon McCullum in for his first game of the series after he arrived in the Caribbean on Wednesday.
Pacer Doug Bracewell and fast-bowling all-rounder Andrew Ellis have also recovered from injury and are available for selection.
SQUADS:
WEST INDIES – Darren Sammy (captain), Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Devon Thomas (wicketkeeper), Andre Russell, Tino Best, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul.
NEW ZEALAND – Kane Williamson (captain), Rob Nicol, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Dean Brownlie, Brendon McCullum, Tom Latham, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Andrew Ellis, Kyle Mills, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Tarun Nethula, Trent Boult.