KINGSTON – Kane Williamson struck his sixth Test hundred to put New Zealand on top – as West Indies made a feeble start to the post-Darren Sammy era –on the opening day of the first Test yesterday.
The phlegmatic right-hander carved out a patient unbeaten 105 that formed the basis of the tourists’ 240 for two on a flat surface at Sabina Park.
Left-handed opener Tom Latham stroked an enterprising 83 while the prolific Toss Taylor finished the day unbeaten on 34.
Fast bowler Jerome Taylor, in his first Test in nearly five years, was by far the best of the West Indies bowlers with one for 22.
Off-spinner Shane Shillingford was the other wicket-taker but the Windies bowlers toiled with little success on a track offering little assistance to the faster bowlers.
New Zealand, with the good fortune of winning the toss, batted in partnerships after the early loss of Peter Fulton for one.
Williamson added 165 for the second wicket with the left-handed Latham, and then put on a further 66 with Taylor, in an unbroken third-wicket stand.
West Indies had reasons for early cheer when Fulton perished inside the first hour, to a catch behind by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, to leave the visitors on nine for one.
Finding a decent line on the top of off-stump almost from the outset, the 29-year-old Taylor got one to bounce and leave Fulton in his fifth over, forcing the right-hander to play and find the edge.
However, Williamson and Latham then frustrated West Indies to ensure the Black Caps reached lunch at 62 for one, and also saw their side safely through the post-lunch session.
All told, Williamson has occupied the crease for four and a half hours, faced 263 balls and counted 11 fours while Latham, in only his second Test after making his debut in February, batted 260 minutes, faced 206 deliveries and hit ten fours.
The pair, however, were forced to survive a testing time in the first session against tall left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, who extracted surprise bounce and turn to trouble both batsmen.
He thought he had claimed Latham 25 minutes before lunch to a catch at short leg by Kieran Powell, but the batsman was reprieved on review when replays showed the ball had struck the thigh pad.
West Indies also wasted a review against Latham when the batsman pushed forward to the first ball of off-spinner Marlon Samuels’ spell, but replays revealed an inside edge.
The three-man spin attack of Benn, Shillingford and Samuels failed to find the critical second breakthrough West Indies needed. (CMC)
