NZ opt to bat against Windies

Kingston - New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum won the toss and decided to bat first on the opening day of the first Test of the three-match series against the West Indies at Sabina Park on Sunday.

This match marks the 100th Test for local hero Chris Gayle and the first as captain for wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin with the home side changing their bowling line-up completely from their last Test, in New Zealand six months ago.

Fast bowlers Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor are back from injury layoffs while gangling left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn also returns alongside off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who is playing first international following a second period of rehabilitative work after his action was reported by the officials during the brief series in India last November.

New Zealand have also opted for a balanced bowling attack of two seamers and two spinners, giving a debut to 27-year-old off-spinner Mark Craig who will be supported by wrist-spinner Ish Sodhi.

Teams

West Indies: D. Ramdin (captain), C. Gayle, K. Powell, K. Edwards, D. Bravo, S. Chanderpaul, M. Samuels, J. Taylor, S. Benn, K. Roach, S. Shillingford

New Zealand: B. McCullum (captain), P. Fulton, T. Latham, K. Williamson, R. Taylor, B.J. Watling, J. Neesham, I. Sodhi, T. Southee, T. Boult, M. Craig

Umpires: R. Illingworth (ENG) and R Tucker (AUS)

TV umpire: I. Gould (ENG)

Match referee: B. Broad (ENG)