Hamilton: New Zealand finished Day 1 of the first Test against West Indies at 243/2 with skipper Kane Williamson unbeaten on 97 in Hamilton.
An unbroken 75-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor helped New Zealand survive a good spell of bowling late in the day from West Indies. Williamson remained unbeaten three short of a century.
Tom Latham and Williamson had laid the foundation for New Zealand’s big batting day as the duo stitched together a 154-run partnership for the second wicket. Latham was dismissed on 86 by Kemar Roach before Williamson and Taylor took centre stage.
Earlier in the day, a drizzle delayed the toss and reduced the game to two extended sessions. With all the rain around, Jason Holder opted to bowl first after winning the toss on a green pitch. Nine balls in, Shannon Gabriel rapped debutant opener Will Young on the pads and confidently went for a review only to find the impact being outside off-stump.
The early loss of a review was compounded when an edge from Young, yet again off Gabriel, went between the wicket-keeper and first slip without either reacting. However, Gabriel made amends next ball as he had Young trapped in front.
