Estwick demands more fight from Windies

West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick says his team must be prepared to scrap, fight and battle against a resolute New Zealand side when the second Test gets under way today in Wellington at 5 p.m. Jamaica time.

The regional side will have to pull out all the stops if they are to square the two-match series, having fallen to an innings loss in the first Test in Hamilton.

The West Indies will have to do the business without one of their most experienced bowlers, as pacer Kemar Roach has returned to the Caribbean after the passing of his father.

He is expected to be replaced in the bowling line-up by compatriot Chemar Holder, who picked up three wickets in the warm-up game before the Test series.

For coach Estwick, the players have to prepare to go the extra mile if they are to get the better of the hosts.

"The talking has to stop," Estwick said. "We have to go out now and stay in the contest and stay in the fight because you know New Zealand is going to be up for the fight. We have got to be ready. The game in Hamilton is gone, we have to look forward to this one because we are representing 8 million people back in the West Indies."

Prepare to bowl long spells

Estwick, who is responsible for the bowling unit, says his charges are going to have to prepare to bowl long spells while the batsmen are going to have to spend long periods at the crease.

With the absence of wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich due to injury, Trinidadian Joshua Da Silva is expected to make his full Test debut.

One player who will be looking forward to today's contest is fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who will be playing in his 50th Test match since making his debut against England in 2012.

"It's a good opportunity for me and a blessing, and I want to thank God and my family and friends," he said.

Gabriel knows that the absence of Roach will be added pressure on himself to lead the attack, but he is keen on targeting Kiwi captain Kane Williamson, who scored a double century in the first Test.

"You have to be prepared to work hard," Gabriel said. "He is a guy that is not going to give you many chances, so you have to be able to focus on being mentally strong and hope for something to happen."

West Indies Test squad:

Jason Holder (captain)

Roston Chase (vice-captain)

Jermaine Blackwood

Kraigg Brathwaite

Darren Bravo

Shamarh Brooks

John Campbell

Rahkeem Cornwall

Joshua Da Silva

Shannon Gabriel

Shimron Hetmyer

Chemar Holder

Alzarri Joseph

Keemo Paul