Recently any West Indies attack has been left mopping up a below-par batting performance. In thelast 12 months, they have gone past 300 only twice and have also been guilty of doing well in one innings and failing miserably in the next.

Chris Gayle, who is scheduled to play his 100th Test at his home ground, would be eager to prove his fitness and provide a display befitting the fanfare for the occasion.

For the visitors, combating spin will gain top priority. New Zealand's batting - especially their in-form middle order of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling - does have the capacity to rise above their mental block against quality spin.

Utilising spin is where the greater concern lies. The search for Daniel Vettori's successor has been frustrating. Jeetan Patel complicated the situation when he remained with Warwickshire and withdrew his name from consideration for this tour. The result is that Ish Sodhi, with six Tests to his name, will feature as lead spinner. The 21-year old legspinner has shown some control and also glimpses of plotting a batsman out. To assist him is Mark Craig, a 27-year old offspinner who is yet to make his New Zealand debut.(kh/espn)