KEY POINTS:
West Indies coach John Dyson wants more than just a three-day knockabout game when the tourists kick off their New Zealand tour against Auckland at Eden Park today.
Cricket without a purpose leaves him cold and Auckland share that viewpoint, which bodes well for a decent contest on
a pitch which should provide plenty of runs.
"It's a chance for someone that may consider himself to be on the fringe of selection to stake his claim," Dyson said yesterday.
"I'd say everyone is in contention at the moment. I want them to display their skills and show their competitiveness."
He would not name a 12 yesterday for the match, but it's likely to give a decent pointer to thinking ahead of the first test, starting in Dunedin next Thursday.
The senior batsmen - captain Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and International Cricket Council player of the year Shivnarine Chanderpaul - will want to announce themselves and get a feel for conditions.
Similarly, the three senior quick bowlers, Daren Powell, Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor, should get a run. Beyond that, it will be up to what Dyson and Gayle want to get from the match in terms of fine-tuning test thinking.
Dyson steered away from any talks about problems for New Zealand, both in Australia and in the fallout from the departure of coach John Bracewell.
"That's their business. It doesn't concern us in the least," he said.
Auckland will give a first-class debut to young left-handed batsman Jeet Raval, with international player Scott Styris sitting the game out with a dicky back. He was to have an MRI scan yesterday and sit down with doctors today to work out what the problem is.
Raval, usually an opener or No 3, is likely to bat down the order with Tim McIntosh and Martin Guptill, back after dislocating a knee a month ago, having a chance to impress the national selectors.
Former test new ball bowler Daryl Tuffey and Kyle Mills should ask the West Indies top order some questions - especially in Mills' case as he is seeking a return to the test team after being overlooked for the Australian tests.
"I'd definitely back our boys to give them a good game," Auckland captain Richard Jones said.
For players like leg spinner Tarun Nethula - who made his first-class debut this season - Raval, useful allrounder Colin de Grandhomme and left-arm medium pacer Michael Bates, the game represents a chance to test themselves in higher company.
"I would think the West Indies will play near first test strength side," Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell said, "so it's a good opportunity for players to judge their standards."
Auckland v West Indies
Eden Park, 10.30am today
Auckland: Richard Jones (c), Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Reece Young, Gareth Hopkins, Kyle Mills, Jeet Raval, Colin de Grandhomme, Tarun Nethula, Daryl Tuffey, Michael Bates.
West Indies: (from) Chris Gayle (c), Sewnarine Chattergoon, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Xavier Marshall, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson, Brendon Nash, Denesh Ramdin, Carlton Baugh, Sulieman Benn, Daren Powell, Fidel Edwards, Lionel Baker, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor.
