West Indies captain Chris Gayle is prepared for the big role he has to play in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

The powerful left-hander said that, looking at the opponents, he anticipated a keenly contested series.

"The battle is going to be a very competitive one. New Zealand have some inexperienced batsmen who will be looking to prove a point. We have some new players who will be looking for opportunities to make a name on the international stage. I'm feeling confident. Whenever the first match comes we will be ready for the main assignment," Gayle said.

"I have a big part to play as a senior player. I have been here before and I will be doing all I can to help the new players and also to make a big contribution to the team.

"The build-up has been good. I am hitting the ball very well. We have a match coming up against Auckland where we will look to use to get fully ready for the Test matches."

The Windies continued their preparation yesterday with a three-hour net session in the morning and gym work-outs in the evening. They will have another full session in the nets today.

They will face the Auckland team in an official first-class match from Friday to Sunday at the Eden Park Outer Oval. The first Test will be at the University Oval in Dunedin and the second Test at McLean Park, Napier.

Gayle said he and other team-mates have been monitoring the New Zealand players in the recent series defeat against Australia.

"We have been looking at New Zealand in Australia. We watched the matches and also looked at clips to see what the New Zealand players are all about. Australia beat then, but they will be coming back here, on home soil, and will be looking to hit back at us.

"We will have to counter that. We have a good idea what will be required," he said.

Fixtures

Friday December 5 to Sunday December 7 v Auckland at Eden Park Outer Oval

Thursday December 11 to Monday December 15: 1st Test at University Oval, Dunedin

Friday December 19 to Tuesday December 23: 2nd Test at McLean Park, Napier

Friday December 26: 1st T20 International at Eden Park, Auckland

Sunday December 28: 2nd T20 International at Seddon Park, Hamilton

Wednesday December 31: 1st ODI at Queenstown Event Centre, Queenstown

Saturday January 3: 2nd ODI at AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Wednesday January 7: 3rd ODI at Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Saturday January 10: 4th ODI at Eden Park, Auckland

Tuesday January 13: 5th ODI at McLean Park, Napier

Squad: Chris Gayle (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain), Lionel Baker, Carlton Baugh Jnr, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Fidel Edwards, Leon Johnson, Xavier Marshall, Brendan Nash, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Jerome Taylor.