The West Indies vs New Zealand Test series 2025 promises a captivating contest between two competitive cricketing nations. Scheduled from 2 to 22 December 2025, the three-match series will be played across Hagley Oval (Christchurch), Basin Reserve (Wellington), and Bay Oval (Mount Maunganui). With both teams eager to test combinations, build momentum, and secure crucial ICC World Test Championship points, this series carries significant stakes for form, strategy, and squad depth. New Zealand enter the series with confidence from a strong home record, while West Indies aim to challenge the hosts and regain form in unfamiliar conditions.
New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson, arrive with a well-balanced squad blending experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Top-order batsmen such as Devon Conway and Tom Latham provide solidity, while Mark Chapman and Michael Bracewell offer flexibility and the ability to accelerate in key phases. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Matt Henry, Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson, combines pace, swing, and control to exploit home conditions. Additionally, spinners like Rachin Ravindra and Ish Sodhi provide variety, making New Zealand a formidable side across all sessions.
West Indies, captained by Nicholas Pooran, will rely on their pace-heavy attack and dynamic batting lineup. Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks anchor the batting, while Rovman Powell and Jason Holder offer power and experience in the middle order. The pace battery — led by Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Obed McCoy — will look to challenge New Zealand’s batsmen with pace, bounce, and movement. Their spinners, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Akeal Hosein, will need to exploit any turn or grip available to apply pressure and create breakthroughs. West Indies’ success will hinge on building partnerships, staying disciplined in the field, and minimizing early collapses.
Schedule
1st Test: 2–6 December 2025 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Start Time: 10:00 AM NZDT
2nd Test: 10–14 December 2025 – Basin Reserve, Wellington | Start Time: 10:00 AM NZDT
3rd Test: 18–22 December 2025 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | Start Time: 10:00 AM NZDT
Team Squads
New Zealand
Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Will Young, Hamish Bennett
West Indies
Nicholas Pooran (c), Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Obed McCoy, Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Nkrumah Bonner, Brandon King
Conclusion
As the Test series unfolds, New Zealand will look to capitalize on home conditions, exploiting swing and seam-friendly pitches, while West Indies aim to counter with disciplined bowling and resilient batting. Early sessions at Hagley and Basin are expected to favour seamers, while Bay Oval may offer opportunities for spinners later in matches. Both teams will need adaptability, patience, and mental resilience to thrive across varying conditions. With world-class players on both sides, the West Indies vs New Zealand Test series 2025 promises competitive cricket, tactical battles, thrilling performances, and a true examination of red-ball skills and temperament.
