The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Wellington

New Zealand will face India and the West Indies in two home series in the coming season, taking on both teams in two Tests and five one-day internationals.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said today both teams would provide a good measure of where New Zealand was placed in world cricket.

"It will be nice to face the contrasting styles of the West Indies and India this summer," Vettori said.

"They are two teams who are both on the rise, and they will provide a good measure of where we are at in our own development."

In Test cricket New Zealand currently rank a lowly seventh, four places behind India but one ahead of the West Indies. But in one-day internationals, New Zealand are third, one place ahead of India and five in front of the West Indies.

New Zealand Cricket said the West Indies were due to arrive in December, playing two Tests ahead of two Twenty20 games and five one-day internationals.

India arrive in March for a Twenty20 match, followed by five one dayers and two Tests.