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

#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.