Windies target first-innings improvement

Dec 8, 2017 - 2:09 AM The West Indies have admitted their first innings let them down in the opening Test in Wellington and new skipper Kraigg Brathwaite says a bigger score will be their priority in Hamilton.

The second of two Tests starts at Seddon Park on Saturday and the tourists have lost their captain, Jason Holder, who is suspended for a slow over rate during their heavy loss at the Basin.

"I am quite excited ... not the ideal situation," Brathwaite said of his first Test in charge.

"I think Jason has been doing a fantastic job, so my job is to carry on what he's doing."

The Windies managed just 134 in their first dig in Wellington and never got back in the match.

"What hurts us a lot was the first innings ... we didn't get a big enough total," Brathwaite said.

"Building partnerships will be key. Obviously in the second innings we got a few more partnerships but we still didn't get that hundred-run partnership.

"If we could get a couple of hundred-run partnerships that'll put us very good - in terms of batting."

Brathwaite top scored for the West Indies in Wellington, his second innings 91 offering his side hope. But aside from Shai Hope, no other batsman faced more than 100 balls in the second innings.

"As an opening batsman I like to lead from the front ... that's something I back myself on," Brathwaite said.

The West Indies are yet to decide on the make-up of their side for a Hamilton pitch which will likely help the seamers.

They could recall proven spinner Devendra Bishoo, go for the pace of six-Test Alzarri Joseph or hand a debut to allrounder Raymon Reifer, who bowls left-arm medium fast.

Source: AAP