Blacks Caps go for double spin strategy

NAPIER // New Zealand are set to go into the second Test against the West Indies with two spinners. While captain Daniel Vettori said the starting XI had not yet been finalised for the match which starts today, he said Jeetan Patel would be included at the expense of one of the seamers. "We played here last season and he bowled well against England,"he said. "I think this pitch is often mis-represented. It's not as bouncy as people say.

"All the games that I have played here, it has just been a good flat wicket so we're hoping that with the sun out baking, it's going to be a good flat deck. "Hopefully what I managed to do in Dunedin [first Test], the pair of us can do in this game." The Black Caps captain took 6-56 in that drawn game and felt the twin spin option was a good one, provided both were on the mark. "Anyone is vulnerable to quality spin bowling so if Jeetan and myself can bowl well, we see that as a good option for us," added Vettori.

The decision on which seamer would be dropped had yet to be decided but Vettori confirmed the all-rounder James Franklin had overcome his blow to the ribs and would be in the attack along with the in-form Iain O'Brien, leaving Kyle Mills or Mark Gillespie as the unlucky player. Gillespie had a disappointing outing in Dunedin where he did not get a wicket and conceded over 100 runs off his 21 overs.

On the other hand Mills, who was a late call-up for the injured Jacob Oram, took 3-64 off his 24 overs and Vettori admitted it was going to be a tough call to make. "Our plan for these guys is about being patient and building pressure and that's what Kyle did in the last game on a flat wicket." * PA Sport