By RICHARD BOOCK
WELLINGTON - A fascinating tale of two captains underpinned New Zealand's runaway win by an innings and 105 runs over the West Indies yesterday.
In one corner was Stephen Fleming, now within touching distance of becoming New Zealand's most successful captain, while in the other was Brian Lara, who, given recent events in the Caribbean this year, might spend a fair bit of his time ducking empty rum bottles upon his return.
Needing another 337 to make New Zealand bat again, the tourists were bowled out late in the final session of the fourth day for 234 after some inspirational bowling from Dion Nash, and a couple of dubious decisions from local umpire Evan Watkin.
With Daren Ganga unable to bat, the West Indies' main hopes rested with Lara and opening batsman Adrian Griffith, and it was no surprise to see everything turn to custard as soon as they departed.
Griffith left in almost unbelievable circumstances during the over before lunch, trotting through for a single and then attempting to dash back for a second, only to be deafeated by a pinpoint throw from Nash at third-man.
There was a sense then that the tourists might disintegrate without their anchorman, but Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul batted through most of the middle session while adding 65 for the third wicket, and it was only when Nash came back just before tea that New Zealand made the decisive breakthrough.
Nash had Chanderpaul caught behind on 70 for the fourth time in four innings and then ripped out Jimmy Adams with a snorting delivery to leave the West Indies effectively 154 for five - still 185 in arrears.
Lara, who brought up his 50 in 150 minutes, was playing more shots as he ran out of partners, but looked unlucky to be given out caught behind off Nash by Watkin when the total was 225, and extremely disappointed to be departing.
Watkin then adjudged Courtney Walsh leg-before off a ball which appeared to take the toe of the bat, leaving the star West Indian fast bowler with a pair for the match and a world-record 35 test ducks.
It might have been a dream year for the New Zealanders, who not only won their third series in 12 months but also registered their second-biggest test win and their most comprehensive over the West Indies, but it has been more of a nightmare for Lara's men, nothwithstanding the drawn series against Australia.
Since the West Indian skipper took over control he has seen his side strike for improved remuneration, humbled 0-5 in South Africa, bowled out for a record low of 51 by Australia in Trinadad, and now cleaned out 2-0 by New Zealand.
In contrast, Fleming is now just one win away from equalling Geoff Howarth's record of 11 test victories, and in the past year has overseen series wins against India, England and the West Indies.
New Zealand coach David Trist said Fleming's contribution had been brilliant.
"Stephen's led from the front," Trist said.
"He's developed his own game and captained the side with innovation, enthusiasm and control. He's one off the record, and he's just 26 years old."
Cricket: Absolutely fabulous, boys
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