Andrew Alderson and Dylan Cleaver discuss Kane Williamson’s 251 run innings on the second day of the New Zealand-West Indies opening test in Hamilton. Video / Andrew Alderson
New Zealand enjoyed a dream first session of the third day of the first test at Seddon Park, but it was a centimetre from being even better.
The West Indies went to lunch teetering at 114-5, with Jermaine Blackwood on 18 and Jason Holder 14, having started the day at 49-0.
They would have been at least six down had Neil Wagner not overstepped by the merest of margins when trapping West Indies captain Holder in front on 0.
Significant damage had already been done, however, with the Black Caps vaunted pace quartet all picking up at least one scalp.
The old firm of Tim Southee and Trent Boult struck hard and fast.
The pair, who have 554 wickets between them in test careers that have largely run concurrently, were on target early, securing the wickets of John Campbell (26), Shamarh Brooks (1) and Kraigg Brathwaite (21) in the first four overs of the day.
It was welcome news for the Black Caps, who toiled away fruitlessly in the final session of day two as the visitors dug in chasing a daunting 519-7.
They received a massive assist from the West Indies though.
Kane Williamson takes a catch to dismiss John Campbell. Photo / Photosport
In the day's first over, John Campbell, who on day two had largely shelved his attacking instincts, attempted an ambitious and ill-advised lofted drive off Southee and spooned the ball to Kane Williamson at mid-off, who took a leaping catch above his head.
It was not only a gift, it prised open the door.
In his next over, the day's third, a Southee outswinger kissed the outside edge of the unfortunate Shamarh Brooks' bat to be caught by Ross Taylor at first slip.
Brooks had been forced to spend most of day two in the unfamiliar role of wicketkeeper following an injury to Shane Dowrich. He would have woken stiff and sore, and now he'll be grumpy to go with it.
Tim Southee (Centre) is congratulated by teammates after taking an early wicket on day three. Photo / Photosport
Five balls later Boult joined the act, removing Brathwaite, the glue that holds this line-up together. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell dived with one hand to take the catch that might not have carried to Taylor.
The opening half hour could have been even worse for the West Indies as Darren Bravo, nursing an Achilles strain, was adjudged lbw to Southee. However, he reviewed and ball-tracking showed it to be missing leg stump by the width of a strand of hair.
Allied to the Holder let off, it was easy to imagine the West Indies being even worse off.
They need all the good news they can get.
Follow all the action from day three of the first test between New Zealand and the West Indies live right here at NZ Herald Sport.
