Chris Gayle to show talent against New Zealand in first test

Gayle has not played Test cricket in over 18 months and his return has afforded the Windies batting ranks, which have also welcomed the return of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a major boost ahead of the two-match series.

The veteran Chanderpaul missed the third and final Test against England earlier this year due to a side strain, but has since recovered. Darren Bravo, however, has not been considered for selection as he is still nursing the groin injury sustained on the same tour.

Fast bowler Fidel Edwards and spinner Shane Shilling ford, meanwhile, have been dropped. Sunil Narine is the only specialist spinner in the 13-man squad, while batsman Assad Fudadin has retained his place.

Squad: Chris Gayle, Adrian Barath, Kieran Powell, Assad Fudadin, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Marlon Samuels, Narsingh Deonarine, Denesh Ramdin (wicketkeeper), Darren Sammy (captain), Tino Best, Kumar Roach, Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine.