Experienced pacer Kemar Roach is likely to spearhead the visitors’ fast-bowling attack, with the likes of Anderson Phillip, Johann Layne and potential debutant Ojay Shields the other seamers in the West Indies’ squad.
Conditions at Hagley Oval are likely to provide the seamers with plenty of assistance and Walter won’t be underestimate the West Indies.
“They’ve got a really good seam attack, some dangerous batters and can bat for long periods of time so from a team point of view (we need to) respect the game of cricket and be prepared for the contest,” Walter noted.
“Traditionally Hagley plays a certain way and so while we have a strong idea of most likely how it will play I still think our best skill is our adaptability.
“We’ll prepare with something in mind but we know the game of cricket can easily throw something at you that you’re not ready for so we need to be ready and adapt to that.”
New Zealand squad (first Test): Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields
Series schedule:
First Test: December 1-5, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Second Test: December 9-13, Basin Reserve, Wellington
Third Test: December 17-21, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui