New Zealand face West Indies in the decisive second Test at Basin Reserve in Wellington, with the series level at 0-0 after a gritty draw in Christchurch where Justin Greaves‘ unbeaten 202 anchored the visitors’ rearguard. Tom Latham‘s Black Caps, hit by injuries to Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Mitchell Santner, bring back Glenn Phillips while relying on Kane Williamson‘s experience to chase a series win. Roston Chase‘s West Indies, buoyed by Shai Hope‘s first-Test century and their lower-order resilience, aim to extend their unbeaten run on tour.
Injuries force a reshuffled attack with uncapped quick like Michael Rae and Jacob Duffy supporting seamers Blair Tickner and Zak Foulkes, while Rachin Ravindra provides spin options. Batting hinges on Latham, Williamson (52 in the first innings), and Daryl Mitchell for stability, with Phillips’ return adding middle-order firepower after his domestic form. Home advantage at Wellington, where New Zealand hold a strong record, drives their push for control through disciplined lines and swing exploitation.
Chase’s side boasts batting depth after Greaves (202*) and Roach (58*) thwarted New Zealand in the opener, with Hope’s 116 proving his class on seaming tracks. Pace trio Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Roach target early Kiwi breakthroughs, backed by Ojay Shields‘ debut promise and Jomel Warrican‘s spin. Their lower-order fightback signals growing resilience, vital if openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul falter again.
Basin Reserve Pitch Report
Basin Reserve typically favours pace bowlers early, with seam movement and bounce under windy conditions assisting attacks on a green-tinged surface that flattens later for batters. Historical stats show teams bowling first winning 29 of 71 Tests, with first-innings averages around 315 runs dropping sharply in later innings to 140. Expect captains to insert the opposition at 11:00 AM local, as the pitch offers consistent carry but tests stamina over five days.
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Wellington Weather forecast for NZ vs WI second Test
Day 1: Wednesday, December 10
Partly sunny and windy conditions greet the 2nd Test opener at Basin Reserve, with highs of 23°C and N 32 km/h winds amplifying seam movement for New Zealand’s pacers like Tickner and Duffy against West Indies openers Campbell and Chanderpaul. Real feel at 23°C tests technique on a green-tinged pitch, while 2% rain risk ensures near-full play, favoring the toss winner to bowl first.
Day 2: Thursday, December 11
Low clouds dominate at 19°C/14°C with milder SW 19 km/h winds, creating prime swing conditions for West Indies’ Seales and Roach if replying to New Zealand’s first innings. Moderate UV and 25% precip chance signal minor delay potential, but overcast skies suit the depleted Black Caps attack targeting quick wickets before the pitch eases.
Day 3: Friday, December 12
Mostly sunny skies return with windy S 35 km/h gusts and 18°C highs, reviving bounce to aid Williamson’s anchors in building a lead post-tea. High UV demands sunscreen for fielders, while 1% rain locks in uninterrupted sessions, pressuring West Indies’ middle order amid fatigue.
Day 4: Saturday, December 13
Plenty of sunshine and afternoon SSE 19 km/h breezes at 19°C/12°C warm the surface for batting resilience, where Greaves’ grit could blunt New Zealand’s push. Breezy conditions maintain seam assistance without extremes, setting up a pivotal day with 1% precip ensuring momentum swings.
Day 5: Sunday, December 14
Sunshine and pleasant NNW 22 km/h winds peak at 22°C/17°C, flattening the pitch for a result-chasing finale as captains eye declarations. Extreme UV highlights a dry, breezy close with zero rain, amplifying drama if West Indies’ lower order repeats their 1st Test heroics.
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