New Zealand and West Indies head into the third and final Test at Mount Maunganui with very different momentum, but both sides have clear motivations. For the hosts, it’s a chance to seal another home series win. For the visitors, it’s about ending a 30-year drought of Test victories in New Zealand and proving that their rebuilding phase can translate into results in challenging overseas conditions.
West Indies have shown flashes of promise with the ball, unsettling New Zealand’s batting at times, but their own batting has consistently let them down. Apart from a spirited second-innings fightback in the first Test, contributions have been scattered and short-lived. Captain Roston Chase has openly acknowledged the issue, setting a realistic first-innings target of 300 at the Bay Oval — a venue known for early seam movement and increasing assistance for spin as the match progresses.
New Zealand, meanwhile, remain the stronger collective unit despite injuries to key fast bowlers across the first two Tests. Their depth, particularly in bowling options and all-rounders, continues to give them an edge. The possible inclusion of Ajaz Patel adds an intriguing subplot, especially given the nature of the Mount Maunganui surface later in the game.
Ajaz Patel’s Rare Home Test and New Zealand’s Edge
Ajaz Patel could be in line for a rare home Test appearance, something he hasn’t experienced since February 2020. His recent form makes a compelling case: he was Player of the Match in New Zealand’s tour of India in 2024–25, taking 11 wickets, and has been in excellent rhythm in domestic cricket for Central Districts, recently reaching 400 first-class wickets.
Although Ajaz is yet to take a Test wicket at home despite three previous appearances, conditions at the Bay Oval may finally tilt in his favour. As the pitch wears, slow turn typically comes into play from day three onwards, and West Indies’ right-hand-heavy batting line-up could offer opportunities beyond simply holding an end. Even if Ajaz doesn’t play, New Zealand can lean on part-time spin from Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, underlining their flexibility.
From a team perspective, Tom Blundell’s return after a hamstring injury strengthens New Zealand’s batting and wicketkeeping, though it means debutant Mitchell Hay makes way despite a half-century in Wellington. With Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes having carried heavy workloads recently, managing their pace resources will be key, but New Zealand still look well equipped to control the match.
West Indies’ Batting Test and Kavem Hodge in Focus
For West Indies, the story once again revolves around their batting. The only change to their XI sees Alick Athanaze come in for the injured Ojay Shields, a move aimed at shoring up the middle order, particularly against spin. Chase has also indicated he may bowl himself more if conditions suit, highlighting how crucial adaptability will be.
Kavem Hodge remains under the microscope. Despite being one of the more experienced batters in the squad at nearly 33, he averages under 25 after 12 Tests. His promotion to No. 3 in the second Test brought mixed results — a first-innings duck followed by a more fluent second-innings effort that ended only due to an exceptional catch. At Mount Maunganui, West Indies will hope Hodge can finally cement his role and provide stability near the top.
There are milestones and motivations too. Kemar Roach is just seven wickets away from joining the elite group of West Indies bowlers with 300 Test wickets, and his ability to strike early could be vital on a pitch offering morning movement. However, history is not on the visitors’ side: West Indies have won only two of their last 16 Tests and remain winless in the current World Test Championship cycle.
With rain forecast on days two and three, timing and momentum may prove decisive. The Bay Oval has seen teams opting to bowl first lose three of the last four Tests, a trend that adds another layer of intrigue at the toss. Ultimately, while West Indies arrive with belief and something to prove, New Zealand’s balance, depth, and home advantage still make them favourites — unless the visitors can finally put together two complete batting innings.
