Windies eye historic Test win in New Zealand

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed unwavering confidence in his team as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Despite a challenging history in New Zealand, where the West Indies last won a Test match in 1987 and a Test series in 1995, Sammy remains optimistic about their prospects. The team recently concluded competitive T20I and One Day International (ODI) series against the Kiwis, creating numerous opportunities to win but ultimately falling short. Sammy praised New Zealand’s dominance at home while highlighting the positives from the previous series. The West Indies will begin their campaign with a two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI before the first Test on December 2. Sammy emphasized the team’s improved mindset and intensity during training, noting their determination to end the year on a high note. He also drew attention to their recent performance against India, where they pushed the hosts into a fifth day of a Test match—a rare feat in India. While acknowledging the historical odds, Sammy believes the team’s execution and competitive spirit could lead to an upset in the three-match series.