West Indies hoping for boost in Tests

New Zealand will be looking to beat West Indies in a Test series for the third consecutive time when the three-match series gets under way in Auckland on Thursday.

The bookies clearly think it will go the way of the home side as they make New Zealand 8/13 (1.61) to come out on top. The draw is a 9/4 (3.25) chance and a West Indies win - perish the thought - is 5/1 (6.00).

With a 4-1 win in the one-day series under their belts, New Zealand will be full of confidence that they can achieve the feat, mostly because West Indies are inconsistent at best and woeful at worst these days.

Lara's return
The once dominant West Indies side are now a shadow of their former selves and have won just two of their past 20 Tests. Away from home, they have been victorious just three times in the past 20 and with a poor bowling attack and a batting line-up that still relies hugely on Brian Lara for runs, they will be up against it again.

However, Lara is still a truly world-class batsman and when he plays well, West Indies have a chance. He averages 51 against New Zealand and his return to the side will be a massive boost. He has not played in a while, though, and, like a couple of the squad, could be a bit rusty.

West Indies are a frustrating side because on paper, they don't actually look that bad. Lara, captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan are all classy, while Chris Gayle is capable of a big innings and the Dwayne Bravo has emerged as a real talent.

It's the bowling where their troubles lie. Without Corey Collymore, they lack the ability to keep sides under pressure and it's actually tough to see them bowling sides out twice.

New Zealand's risk
New Zealand have won just six of their past 20 Tests and are not exactly world-beaters themselves. At home their record is slightly better, with eight wins and just six losses.

The selectors are taking a risk though in leaving Lou Vincent out of the side. In his place, Jamie How, a debutant, and Hamish Marshall will open, with Peter Fulton, another making his debut, at No.3.

A home win would seem likely, but if West Indies could somehow make a fist of it in Auckland, there is a chance discontent could set in with the New Zealand camp, and 5/1 (6.00) on a West Indies series win could actually happen.