Few imagined the West Indies would survive, let alone challenge, a fourth-innings target of 531 after being bundled out for 167 earlier in the Test. But what followed in Christchurch was one of the great rearguard efforts in modern cricket. Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach produced innings of remarkable grit to pull off a stunning draw that has completely transformed the narrative of the series.
Greaves’ unbeaten 202, his maiden double century, spanned 388 deliveries and anchored the longest fourth innings in West Indies’ history since 1929. Hope’s classy 140 and Roach’s extraordinary 58 not out from 233 balls lifted the total to 457 for 6, the highest fourth-innings score since Tests were standardised to five days. With more time, they might have chased down the unthinkable.
Black Caps Rattled And Suddenly Stretched Thin
New Zealand, who had looked set for a routine win to open their World Test Championship cycle, were left stunned. Their decision to delay the first-innings declaration at 466, after centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham, came under scrutiny as they watched the match slip away.
What followed was a draining 163 overs in the field, a full day without reward, capped by the shock of seeing victory snatched away. Now, the physical toll has translated into a personnel crisis. Matt Henry (calf), Mitchell Santner (groin) and Nathan Smith (side) have all been ruled out of the series, gutting their bowling attack. On Tuesday morning, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was also ruled out, paving the way for Mitch Hay’s likely debut behind the stumps.
The hosts now enter the second Test in Wellington with a patched-up squad: a debutant keeper, and a bowling line-up reinforced by replacements Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae.
Banking On Williamson, Ravindra And Experience At The Basin
New Zealand will place their hopes on Kane Williamson, the most prolific Test batter at the Basin Reserve with more than 1,500 runs, alongside Ravindra, whose 176 in Christchurch signalled ominous form. Tom Latham remains a consistent threat at the top.
Jacob Duffy, after his eight wickets in the first Test, will lead an inexperienced attack. Zak Foulkes and the new boys will need to step up quickly.
Kristian and Michael are players of interest with great ability. There’s a great opportunity for them to show that skill at the highest level.
But the reality is stark: losing Santner’s all-round balance and Henry’s bite leaves New Zealand exposed, and Blundell’s absence adds further instability.
Can West Indies Stay Consistent?
The West Indies’ fightback was not luck but meticulous application. Hope, battling an eye infection and batting in sunglasses, now has two centuries and a fifty in his last three Test innings. Greaves’ poise and Roach’s resilience showcased a backbone not often associated with the team’s recent Test history.
Yet unpredictability remains part of their identity. Sublime one week, brittle the next, collapses are never far away. Their challenge will be to sustain the discipline and composure shown in Christchurch.
Wellington Conditions And History Offer Mixed Clues
The Basin Reserve usually offers something for the seamers, though it has not been favourable to New Zealand recently. They have lost their last two Tests here, to England and Australia, both while chasing. Still, they have won six of the last ten matches at the venue, and West Indies have not claimed victory here since 1995.
The question now is whether the visitors can ride the momentum of one of their greatest modern escapes, or whether New Zealand, bruised but at home, can restore order.
Probable playing XIs: New Zealand: Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Michael Rae, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy.
West Indies: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (capt), Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields.
