Legendary West Indian cricket commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira is highlighting the need for proper preparation for the West Indies ahead of what will be a significant test series tour in New Zealand starting next month.

The West Indies and the Kiwis will face off in a five T20 internationals from November 5 to 12, three one Day Internationals between November 15 and 18 and a three match test series starting with the first test in Christchurch on December 1.

New Zealand, currently ranked fifth in the World Test Championship standings, are hungry for vital points, and Perreira believes the West Indies must take early steps to adapt to conditions before the series begins.

Pererreira is of the view that several test players should be sent ahead of the main delegation to get at least a week’s practice working with the New Zealand Board at an Academy.

He added that the planning process must begin immediately to avoid a repeat of the short preparation time seen in the recent India series, where the Caribbean men suffered a two nil test series whitewash.

As to the makeup of the squad, Perreira believes that the Bajan duo of Jomel Warrican and Jason Holder should be added to the team.

Holder, who last played test cricket in August 2024 against South Africa, has expressed a willingness to return to the maroon fold, though injuries have limited his availability.