Cricket: McCullum keeps Black Caps alive

When Brian Lara landed in New Zealand last week, he demanded respect for a side he believed was on the verge of turning things around in West Indies cricket.

Words can be powerful but there's nothing like winning to gain attention. If the Black Caps had expected to cruise through this three-test series, particularly in the wake of their 4-1 drubbing of the visitors in the one-dayers, they'll now realise they have a dogfight on their hands, despite the West Indies' lowly position in world cricket.

It took a determined rearguard effort from Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond to ensure the Black Caps even posted a total that will test the Windies line-up. The trio saved a few top-order blushes, showed their more illustrious counterparts what can be achieved with a bit of application and gave their side at least an even money chance of claiming the first test.

At 48 without loss overnight, the Windies now require another 243 to win the game, which would be the second-highest fourth innings total at Eden Park. But they will do it on a pitch that will hardly have them fearful of running into any demons. A lot will fall on Vettori's shoulders.

The Windies started the day with their noses in front and would have started thinking about the finishing post when they reduced the Black Caps to 146-7 midway through the morning session after sending Stephen Fleming, James Franklin and Nathan Astle back to the hutch.

Fleming played a couple of nice shots to move through to 33 before he misjudged an Ian Bradshaw delivery and Franklin did a decent job before he was bowled by Gayle. But disaster then struck when Astle, battling to overcome concussion, was left stranded by an impetuous McCullum, who neglected to check to see if his shot behind point had got past Darren Ganga.

It was wasteful in the circumstances, particularly as Astle was digging in like few batsmen had done before him, grinding out 13 runs in 84 minutes.

The excitement in the Windies camp was palpable as they sensed they might finally be able to snare only their second win in 16 tests and a rare win away from home.

McCullum needed to atone for his error in judgement. He did. Normally blazing from the outset, he was also circumspect as he seemingly realised how vital his runs could be. He pushed and prodded and still looked jumpy running between the wickets but found able support in Vettori as the pair posted the highest partnership of the innings. He then combined with a capable Bond as they put on 62, equalling the record for the ninth wicket against the West Indies, held by Vic Pollard and Bob Cunis.

The vigil finally came to an end as the selectors gathered to presumably discuss the line-up for the second test, and it's likely Messrs Turner, Hadlee and Nash would have noted how comfortable McCullum and Bond were batting. If only the top order had shown the same application.

While it's unlikely there will be any changes for the second test starting in Wellington on Friday, barring injury, the top order will need to justify their selection next weekend, with the likes of Lou Vincent and a resurgent Mathew Sinclair waiting in the wings.

As the day drew to a close, Chris Gayle and Darren Ganga looked largely untroubled in 18 overs of batting last night, setting up an intriguing day today in the process.

"We don't want to talk too quickly and know it will take a lot of hard work," Ganga explained, "but we haven't found ourselves in this situation in the first test of a series. The guys are very eager to make this one count."

A win today might not mean the Windies are back as a force in world cricket but it will be a good start on the road to regaining respect. And that's all Mr Lara wants.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY