Mitchell Santner has supported Jacob Duffy to lead New Zealand’s pace attack in the ODI series against the West Indies, highlighting the seamer’s value as the “front man” of a bowling side devoid of multiple first-choice quicks.
With Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson rested from their heavy red-ball workloads, Duffy returns for the five-match ODI series. Due to paternity leave, Duffy was unable to participate in New Zealand’s most recent Test tour of England. On the eve of the first ODI in Providence, Santner said, “We’ve obviously seen how good he is for the last few years,” regarding Duffy.
In a speed assault that also features Nathan Smith, Kristian Clarke, the uncapped Matt Fisher, and Ben Lister, who was brought in to replace Ben Sears, Duffy is the most experienced quick in their absence. “He’s taken advantage of his opportunities, and now he leads this bowling unit.” There are a few younger people around him, so he will be the major attraction.
“He’s obviously excited to play after a bit of time at home.” Given that we have five games in a short amount of time, it will also involve managing the bowlers’ workload and monitoring their performance after games. Because it can be hot and muggy here and taxing, it could need a team effort.
Duffy visits the Caribbean following an incredible IPL season in which he was a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s championship-winning squad. Even though his most recent ODI was against the West Indies in Hamilton in November 2025, he has an excellent record in this format with 35 wickets from 19 games at an average of 24.25 and an economy rate of 5.90. He will now lead a fairly inexperienced pace assault as New Zealand tries to bounce back from a 2-1 series setback in Bangladesh.
Santner claims that New Zealand had an opportunity to test their depth during the tour because to injuries and the fast bowlers’ respite.
“Through a few injuries and guys unavailable, we’re going to show the depth we have, and we’re excited by the group we’ve got here,” he said. “We are aware that we will be challenged, particularly in terms of batting, seam, and spin coverage. West Indies athletes do well at home and are obviously used to these conditions.
New Zealand begins the series in Providence, Guyana, where they play the first three ODIs before playing the final two in Bridgetown, Barbados. Anticipating a new challenge, Santner remarked, “I guess for every team, when you’re away from home, that’s always going to be the challenge and we know West Indies is a great place to come,” adding, “We take great satisfaction in our ability to quickly adjust to changing circumstances.”
There won’t be any differences in this series.Barbados is a different story, and Guyana can usually play a bit more slowly, but the lights may play differently.We take great pride in our capacity to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. One game at a time.
