Lunch West Indies 79 for 3 (Hope 0*, Wagner 2-23) v New Zealand
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell began West Indies’ tour of New Zealand with a display of impeccable defensive technique, solidly weathering the first hour after they were put in on a grassy pitch at the Basin Reserve. That forced New Zealand to switch tact. A barrage of short balls eventually produced three wickets late in the morning session, as West Indies went to lunch at 79 for 3.
Both openers played close to their body and waited for the bowlers to err in areas they could benefit from. They would also have been pleasantly surprised by the lack of either seam or swing for New Zealand’s seamers through the first session.
Trent Boult often hit the perfect area – fuller than a good length – in his opening spell. Boult usually gets his wickets when the ball swings from that length, but with no lateral movement available, the openers were rather comfortable leaving or defending. Boult began the day with three straight maidens.
Matt Henry, brought in for Tim Southee, searched for movement with a full length, but overpitched often. Powell, in particular, was then rewarded for his patience as he drove productively.
Captain Kane Williamson’s hand was forced. He placed a short leg and leg gully in, and fine leg and square leg out for Neil Wagner. West Indies, it seemed, were more comfortable with pulling than fending.
More to follow..
Source: ESPN Crickinfo