Wagon : New Zealand v West Indies at Dunedin

A range of options for the Black Caps coaches in the pace bowling ranks for the first Test against the West Indies.

Experienced seamers Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner are all fit to take part in the opener starting tomorrow in Dunedin.

That's on top of recent debutant Corey Anderson.

Southee says they're in a strong position.

"We've all played enough enough test matches together, to at least have that little bit more experience than we did say a year or so ago.

"We all bowl well together, and we all push each other and try to get the best out of each other which is a good thing."

The Black Caps coaching staff will decide tonight whether Kane Williamson will be fit to play in tomorrow's opening Test against the West Indies in Dunedin.

Williamson remains in doubt as he continues his recovery from a broken thumb.

Coach Mike Hesson says Williamson can hold the bat and there's more flexibility there with every day.

"Fielding's still a little bit dodgy and I guess the effects of if he gets a knock on that we need to consider.

"He's probably our main worry at the moment."

Meanwhile, Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum is on track to play.

McCullum's back injury flared up during last month's series in Bangladesh, and the skipper requires painkillers to get through matches.

Hesson says although he's not 100%, McCullum is practically certain to play tomorrow.

"Brendon's fine, I mean he's training, a couple of hours batting and came through it pretty well, so he's not an issue.
"He's still in a bit of discomfort but he's fine."

The West Indies troubled cricket tour of New Zealand went from bad to worse on the eve of today's first test in Dunedin.
One player is stuck at home, two are battling with the hangover of having their bowling actions scrutinised, a handful are still jetlagged and sleep deprived and now two are sick.
Vice-captain Denesh Ramdin and spinner Sunil Narine, who has bamboozled the New Zealand batsmen with both white ball and red, are ill with what they're calling a flu.

It is understood the side hopes both will be available to play in the opening test starting at University Oval this morning.
"It's just from coming from India to the cold here," Ramdin, the side's first choice wicketkeeper, said.
"Hopefully we can get some medication and get ready."

Then there's the curious case of opener Kraigg Brathwaite (CORRECT). The injury replacement for Chris Gayle remains in Barbados and the West Indies side claim he's still battling to get a visa though they have been light on details.
They were even unsure whether or not he would be in the country in time for the second test in Wellington starting next Wednesday.

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