Santner Confident in Duffy for West Indies ODIs
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 team that lacks a number of first-choice quicks.
With Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson rested from their heavy red-ball workloads, Duffy is back for the five-match ODI series. Due to parental leave, Duffy was absent from 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,” about Duffy.
In a pace assault that also included Nathan Smith, Kristian Clarke, the uncapped Matt Fisher, and Ben Lister, who was called in to replace Ben Sears, Duffy is the most seasoned quick in their absence.
“He’s taken advantage of his opportunities, and now he leads this bowling unit.” With a few younger individuals surrounding him, he will be the star of the show. “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, managing the bowlers’ workload and monitoring their performance following games will also be a part of it. It might be hot and steamy here, and it can be demanding, so it could take a team effort.
Duffy visits the Caribbean following an incredible IPL season in which he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the team that won the title.
Even though his most recent ODI was against the West Indies in Hamilton in November 2025, he has an exceptional 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 be leading 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 the opportunity to test their depth during the tour due 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,” said he. “When it comes to batting, seam, and spin coverage in particular, we know we’re up for a task. West Indies athletes perform 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 last 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.
We take great satisfaction in our ability to quickly adjust to changing circumstances.” There will be no difference in this series.Although the lights may play differently, Guyana can usually play a little more slowly. Barbados is likewise a distinct story.We take great pride in our capacity to adapt swiftly to novel circumstances. At a time, one game.
