New Zealand's Mitch Hay achieved a rare feat on his Test debut at Basin Reserve, Wellington. On Day 2 of the second Test against West Indies, Hay scored 61 runs from 93 deliveries, becoming the fourth New Zealand wicketkeeper to score a fifty on Test debut.
He surpassed Brendon McCullum who was first to achieve the feat in 2004 against South Africa in Hamilton. The current England head coach scored 57 runs from 102 balls against the Proteas in a drawn Test.
More than a decade later, Luke Ronchi scored 88 runs from just 70 deliveries against England at Headingley, Leeds. New Zealand won by 119 runs. The top spot belongs to Tom Blundell. Recently injured, Blundell scored an unbeaten 107 against West Indies in Wellington in 2017. New Zealand won the Test by an innings and 67 runs.
Hay’s crucial partnership in middle order
On Day 2, Hay walked out to bat at no.6, ahead of Glenn Phillips. He shared a 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Daryl Mitchell. He helped the hosts go past West Indies' first innings score of 205. The 25-year-old hit nine fours and a six in his 93-ball 61.
New Zealand take first innings lead
Apart from Hay, opener Devon Conway scored a half-century as well. The Kiwi tail wagged and helped them post 278/9 in an injured Blair Tickner's absence who cannot take further part in the Test. New Zealand took a 73-run lead.
Hay’s first catch of Test career
Earlier, Hay took just one catch behind the stumps. The double centurion of the previous game, Justin Greaves, became his first catch of Test career.
Will Hay play the third Test?
Blundell suffered a hamstring injury during the opening day of the first Test in Christchurch. After missing the Test at Basin Reserve, his homeground, he is likely to return for the third Test of the series which is scheduled to take place at Mount Maunganui, Bay Oval. If Blundell does not recover, Hay will continue to be a part of the team.