Chris Gayle returns to the Test team for the first time since December 2010 when the 1st Test between the West Indies and New Zealand begins on Wednesday. The hard hitting Jamaican has made a strong return to the International game with a string of match winning performances in limited overs matches, and his return to the longest form of the game will strength what has been a relatively weak batting lineup. Aside from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels , the Windies batsman have struggled recently and the side has registered just one victory in their past fifteen matches.
New Zealand lost their most recent series, against South Africa in March, 1-0 but did hold the Proteas to a draw twice during that series. Skipper Ross Taylor has been in good form in the Caribbean and will be vital to his sides’ success, as will Brendon McCullum , who has relinquished wicket keeping duties to concentrate on his batting.
Both of the Test matches played at this ground, in 2008 and 2009, ended have ended in a draw .
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