5 Jul 2014

Black Caps focus on T20s

6:34 pm on 5 July 2014

After the euphoria of a Test series win the New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum says it has been hard to focus on their two match T20 series starting in Dominica on Sunday.

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum Photo: PHOTOSPORT

McCullum says the Black Caps had a good celebration following Tuesday's Test series victory, their second in the West Indies and their first away from home in 12 years.

He says the team is proud of the achievement and it was important to celebrate the occasion to make sure it was remembered inside the dressing room.

Looking ahead to Dominica, McCullum says that while the Windies batting order will be weakened by the loss of Chris Gayle for the series, the hosts' bowling line up will be strengthened by the inclusion of spinner Sunil Narine.

The New Zealand all rounder Jimmy Neesham has been promoted up the order to open the batting in Dominica and McCullum says the role may suit Neesham in the shorter format of the game.

The skipper says the West Indies have a strong T20 side and the series will be a good challenge for New Zealand to maintain their high standards.