CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — As the West Indies finalize their preparations for Monday’s first Test at Hagley Oval, wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach is taking the unfamiliar conditions in stride.

Celebrating his birthday on the eve of the series, the young Guyanese cricketer spoke with clarity and calm about adapting to New Zealand’s seam-friendly pitches and lively bounce.

“Well, it’s been good so far. It’s a different condition from what we are accustomed to back home,” Imlach explained. “It seems to seam around a little bit more, bounce around a little bit more. So, just getting used to that, especially wicket-keeping, it does move around a bit after it passes the batter as well. Those are the things that I’m working on right now. I’m enjoying the challenge.”

A camp charged with confidence

Despite the shift in environment, the mood within the touring side appears upbeat. Imlach reported a team humming with readiness and belief as they approach the opening Test.

“The team looks like it’s in a good place,” he said. “As far as the bowlers are concerned, they look ready to go. The batters look very strong. The scores were really good in the practice match. So, yeah, the team look like they’re in a good space.”

Playing for pride and people

West Indies cricket continues to hold a cherished place on the global stage, and Imlach underscored the emotional weight that comes with representing the region. Every match, he said, is a chance to deliver for those who support them across oceans.

“Every series is important. You want to win cricket games, you wanna win games for your family and win games for the supporters back home,” he emphasized. “We wanna do well as a group, as West Indian players. I anticipate that this one will be competitive as well.”

The consistency puzzle

For Imlach, the blueprint for success in New Zealand is simple but demanding: sustained consistency. He noted that the side has shown glimpses of quality in recent years but now must maintain high standards across long sessions and over the full five-day contest.

“Over the years, we’ve done well in patches,” he acknowledged. “I think, this time and this series, it is important to stay consistent. Once we do those good things for long periods, put the ball in good areas for long periods, test their patience, that’s very important in the longer format.”

Turning starts into scores

The wicketkeeper also placed responsibility on the batting unit to transform early momentum into meaningful totals, a familiar theme for the Caribbean side.

“With the batters as well, you know, we concentrate well for a start, and sometimes we get out, so we must continue,” he said. “When we get that start, push on as well. So it’s consistent throughout.”

Ready for the first strike

As the opening Test draws near, Imlach appears both grounded and energized, embracing the challenge of foreign conditions while radiating belief in the squad around him. For the West Indies, the mission is clear: adapt quickly, apply pressure, and deliver a performance worthy of the crest on their shirts. CNW