New Zealand speedsters Blair Tickner and debutant Michael Rae played a crucial role on the opening day of the second Test match in Wellington, bowling West Indies out for 205 in just 75 overs at Basin Reserve.
Blair Tickner got injured in the 67th over
Tickner was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, conceding 32 runs, and on the other hand, he got good support from Michael Rae, picking three wickets. However, New Zealand suffered a blow when Tickner had to leave the field on a stretcher with a suspected shoulder dislocation in the 67th over.
West Indies off to a good start
After being asked to bat, West Indies were off to a good start with openers Brandon King (33) and John Campbell (44) putting together a 66-run opening stand. Tickner broke the partnership by trapping King LBW, and he soon had Kavem Hodge out for a duck. Shai Hope came in, but it was Campbell who kept the runs flowing, hitting Rae for three boundaries. By lunch, the visitors were 92 for 2.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli jumps to second in ICC ODI rankings after SA series, closing in on Rohit Sharma while Daryl Mitchell drops a spot
Michael Rae gets a breakthrough for New Zealand after lunch
After lunch, Rae made an impact. Bowling around the wicket, he forced Campbell to edge a full delivery to first slip, reducing West Indies to 93 for 3. Hope and Roston Chase then added 60 runs for the fourth wicket off 102 balls. Tickner struck again, sending Hope back for 48 with a sharp bouncer.
At tea, the West Indies were 175 for 4 and seemed in control. But Tickner and Rae turned the game in New Zealand’s favour in the final session. Tickner claimed his fourth wicket when Chase (29) was bowled, but a five-wicket haul eluded him as he left the field injured diving at fine leg.
Rae continued the attack, dismissing Justin Greaves for 13 and then trapping Kemar Roach LBW for a duck with the help of a review. The West Indies collapsed to 184 for 7. Glenn Phillips and Jacob Duffy wrapped up the tail, and the visitors were all out for 205.
New Zealand is trailing by 181 runs
When New Zealand came out to bat, openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway faced nine overs before stumps, ending the day at 24 without loss and still trailing by 181 runs.
Brief scores
New Zealand 24/0 in 9 overs (Devon Conway 16*, Tom Latham 7*) trail West Indies 205/10 in 75 overs (Shai Hope 48, John Campbell 44, Blair Tickner 4-32, Michael Rae 3-67) by 181 runs