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

#1 Pace Attack

Boult and Southee are menacing with the new ball

New Zealand have one of the best new-ball pairs (Trent Boult and Tim Southee) in world cricket today. However, Southee, who is awaiting the birth of his child, will miss the first Test.

Despite Southee’s absence, the Blackcaps have enough backup options. Matt Henry will most likely replace Southee in the line-up. He has been up and ready whenever an opportunity has come his way. Even when he was called in for the final Test against South Africa, he picked up five wickets (4/93 and 1/20) against a strong batting side.

Boult and Wagner have been regulars in the Test side for quite some time now. Everyone knows what Boult can do. He swings the ball viciously in favourable conditions and can also adapt to different conditions very effectively.

Wagner, meanwhile, is a workhorse. He runs in with the same intensity all day and can bowl long spells. He is also the highest wicket-taker in Tests for the Blackcaps in 2017 (22 wickets).

Hence, with a solid pace attack, New Zealand have the upper hand in home conditions.