New Zealand Steady to 231-9 as West Indies Pace Dominates Day One

Overview

New Zealand ended the opening day of the first Test on 231-9 after a lively West Indies pace display on a bowler friendly surface. Kane Williamson half century led the start before a sharp middle order collapse swung momentum back toward the West Indies during a rain affected day.

West Indies fast bowlers charging in on a cloudy pace friendly wicket during the first Test.

A Rain Affected Start and Early Pressure

New Zealand managed to close the truncated opening day at 231-9 battling through heavy cloud cover persistent rain interruptions and a pitch that strongly favored seam and swing.

The tone was set early when Kemar Roach struck immediately removing Devon Conway for a duck on just the third ball of the match.

Williamson Leads but Collapse Follows

After the early setback Kane Williamson and Tom Latham rebuilt with a composed 93 run stand.

Williamson playing his first Test innings in a year reached a confident 52 his 38th Test fifty.

But his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. A full delivery from Justin Greaves found a thick edge sending Williamson back and opening the floodgates. Within moments:

Latham fell for a determined 24 off 85 balls

Rachin Ravindra was bowled for 3

New Zealand crashed from 94-1 to 103-4

Greaves burst revived memories of the West Indies classic fast bowling heritage a point echoed by Michael Bracewell who described the contest as a little bit old-school West Indies.

Rebuilding Through the Middle Order

A short partnership between Will Young (14) and Tom Blundell (29) steadied the innings before both fell to disciplined pace bowling.

The innings was further supported by a vital 52 run stand between Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith the second rescue effort of the day. Bracewell top scored with an assertive 47 while Smith contributed a useful 23.

Late Order Battles and Bad Light

After Matt Henry edged off for eight Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy held on with four runs each before bad light ended play after 70 overs.

The West Indies bowlers shared the wickets:

Ojay Shields: 2-34

Justin Greaves: 2-35

Kemar Roach: 2-47

Jayden Seales: 1-44

Johann Layne: 1-47

Roston Chase: 1-13

Their combined effort showcased discipline patience and relentless pressure on a surface tailor made for fast bowling.

New Zealand Scorecard

Kane Williamson: 52

Michael Bracewell: 47

Tom Latham: 24

Tom Blundell: 29

Nathan Smith: 23

Extras: 23

Total: 231/9 (70 overs)

Despite the difficult conditions New Zealand lower order resisted long enough to keep the match balanced heading into day two.

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