Perreira calls for early preparation ahead of WI tour to New Zealand

Series are coming thick and fast for the West Indies, and with a Test series against New Zealand scheduled for next month, the Men in Maroon will have little time to regroup.

After being comfortably swept 2-0 by India in the subcontinent, the regional side faces yet another tough challenge and will need to bounce back quickly.

In this regard, legendary West Indian cricket commentator, Joseph Reds Perreira is highlighting the need for proper preparation ahead of what will be a significant test.

New Zealand, currently ranked fifth in the World Test Championship standings, are hungry for vital points, and Perreira believes the West Indies must take early steps to adapt to conditions before the series begins.

“What I am concerned about as a former West Indies commentator is what’s the preparation for the Test squad.

“The test squad right now, we don’t know where they are, whether they are practicing individually. I don’t know if there’s a small camp anywhere. There’s no information,” Perreira told the St Lucia Times in an interview.

“But my own concept, since I’ve been to New Zealand three times, the conditions there really need to be one where your players are climatised to the conditions, to the green pitches and the balls seeming a lot. I think a number of Test players should be sent ahead to get at least a week’s practice working with the New Zealand Board at an Academy.”

Perreira added that the planning process must begin immediately to avoid a repeat of the short preparation time seen in the recent India series.

“Now this kind of action and planning needs to happen now so that we are not caught in a situation where we had very few days to prepare in India. We had four or five days, and we need a full week in New Zealand to prepare for the pre-Test match game, which will be important to us,” he maintained.

As to the makeup of the squad, Perreira believes that the Bajan duo of Jomel Warrican and Jason Holder should be added to the team.

Holder, who last played Test cricket in August 2024 against South Africa, has expressed a willingness to return to the Maroon fold, though injuries have limited his availability.

“I think Jason Holder should be considered, definitely. One can also add Warrican, although not a great deal of spinners are ever that successful in New Zealand. It’s more quick stuff and seam stuff and swing stuff, but we need to have a contingent of the players who will be requested to make up the Test team,” Perreira said.

The fast-bowling depth of the squad has also been called into question by the veteran commentator, who raised concerns over the fitness and availability of two key pacers.

“The story on availability for Shamar Joseph for the entire Bangladesh tour is a bit worrying regarding the New Zealand series. He is hoping it’s minor.

“We also need to have a clear situation on Alzzari Joseph, whether he’ll be fit enough. He did not play in India and here’s hope that Shamar Joseph will also be fit for the Test matches,” Perreira said.

Barbados Today