West Indies Win Toss, Bowl First in NZ Test Opener

Christchurch, New Zealand - West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening Test of a three-match series at Hagley Oval on Tuesday, giving his pace bowlers early access to a greenish pitch under warm, overcast skies conducive to swing bowling. Light rain is expected later on the first day and over the following two days, potentially interrupting play.

The match marks the start of both teams' campaigns in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with New Zealand entering as favorites after dominating the visitors in limited-overs formats last month, securing a 3-1 victory in five Twenty20 internationals and a 3-0 sweep in one-day internationals. The Black Caps, who won the inaugural WTC title in 2021, aim to build momentum at home, where they have remained unbeaten in their last five Tests. West Indies, however, arrive seeking to reverse a poor run in red-ball cricket, having lost their previous two series against Australia and India, including a 0-2 defeat to India earlier this year. The Caribbean side has not won a Test in New Zealand since early 1995 and enters the cycle as the only full member nation yet to play a...