West Indies strengthen patchy batting in final bid to draw level

West Indies hopes to level the series against New Zealand by reinforcing their batting lineup for the third Test at Mount Maunganui. The change comes as the visitors seek to address a persistent imbalance between their bowling and batting performances. Alick Athanaze will replace the injured Ojay Shields in the playing XI, signaling a clear intent to add stability to the batting order.

Captain Roston Chase has been vocal about West Indies' three-decade-long wait for a Test victory in New Zealand. While their bowling attack has troubled the New Zealand batsmen at times, the West Indies' batting has struggled to perform consistently, with the exception of a second-innings fightback in the first Test, which was partly enabled by injuries to two of New Zealand's key fast bowlers.

The West Indies' batting woes run deep, necessitating considerable introspection. Chase's own batting average as captain is below 16, and consistent contributions beyond Shai Hope and Justin Greaves have been infrequent. Instability due to form and injuries has worsened the situation. Chase stated that the team's goal is to reach 300 in their first innings of the final Test.

New Zealand welcomes back Tom Blundell from injury. They also hope that Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes will be able to handle smaller workloads.

While a target of 300 might seem modest, it is a realistic goal at Mount Maunganui. The pitch typically offers early seam movement and increasingly favors spin as the match progresses. New Zealand has included Ajaz Patel in their squad, highlighting this trend.

Although captain Tom Latham has not confirmed the XI, New Zealand's spin options, including Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, could be sufficient against the West Indies' fragile batting lineup, even if Ajaz doesn't play. New Zealand will aim to secure a 2-0 series lead after their victory in Wellington. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the fundamental question remains whether the West Indies possess the necessary skills to win in these conditions.

**Team News**

• Tom Blundell is set to return to New Zealand's XI after recovering from a hamstring injury, meaning Mitchell Hay will be released despite his debut half-century in the second Test.
• Ajaz Patel replaces the injured Blair Tickner in the squad, but a final decision on his inclusion will be made on match day. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell are also in contention for the spin-bowling allrounder role.
• West Indies has announced their XI, with Athanaze replacing Shields. Tagenarine Chanderpaul remains unavailable.

**Predicted Lineups:**

• New Zealand (probable):** Devon Conway, Tom Latham (capt), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Glenn Phillips/Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell (wk), Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, Jacob Duffy, Ajaz Patel.
• West Indies:** John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (capt), Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

**Pitch and Conditions**

The Bay Oval pitch usually provides seam movement early on, with good carry. Batting can be difficult initially, but the surface tends to flatten out as the Test progresses. From the third day onward, the pitch offers turn for spinners. Scoring late in the match becomes challenging due to wear and tear, especially when chasing. There is a chance of rain on days two and three.

**Stats and Trivia**

• Ajaz Patel is yet to take a wicket in New Zealand despite three previous home Test appearances.
• Kemar Roach needs seven more wickets to become the fifth West Indies bowler to reach 300 Test wickets.
• The team winning the toss has chosen to bowl in the last four Tests at the Bay Oval, losing on three occasions.
• West Indies has won only two of their last 16 Tests and remains winless in the current World Test Championship cycle after seven matches.

**Quotes**

Roston Chase: "We think that if we could post a 300 total in the first innings, it would go a long way in us winning a Test match here."

Tom Latham: "Ajaz has been extremely successful for us overseas... When the opportunity presents itself, when a spinner becomes a little bit more attacking, he knows how to bowl in those conditions that are favourable to him."