Windies labour as Taylor fifty gives NZ command

WELLINGTON, New Zealand,  CMC – West Indies laboured but managed just one wicket as New Zealand took control of the opening Test at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

Resuming the day on 85 for two, the Black Caps lost only opener Jeet Raval, as they reached lunch on 181 for three.

Stroke-maker Ross Taylor was unbeaten on 66 and was partnered by Henry Nicholls on 24, the pair having already added 72 in an unbroken fourth wicket stand.

The right-handed Taylor has faced 106 deliveries and struck eight fours while Nicholls has counted three fours in a 63-ball innings.

Kemar Roach moves to tenth on the player rankings for Test bowlers

West Indies’ only success came after 45 minutes play when seamer Kemar Roach produced a beauty to the left-hander Raval who nicked a straightforward catch to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich.

Resuming on 27, he faced 125 balls and notched five fours.

Roach has been the best bowler with two for 29.