Devon Conway reached a half-century as part of a 67-run partnership with Kane Williamson, helping New Zealand reach 112-2 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies.
Kemar Roach struck early, dismissing Tom Latham for 11 in the fifth over of the day. Williamson, meanwhile, fell just before lunch for 37, caught by a peach of a delivery from Anderson Phillip that pitched on middle and straightened past the outside edge to hit off stump.
Devon Conway holds Fort as New Zealand builds momentum
At the break, Conway was unbeaten on 55, while Rachin Ravindra was 5, as New Zealand added 88 runs in the morning session on a pitch still favouring the fast bowlers.
Latham’s dismissal came off a superb Roach delivery that cut back sharply from a good length, beating the batter’s defensive prod to hit off stump. Conway had earlier survived a drop at leg gully by Brandon King off Jayden Seales when he was 29, and Williamson offered a difficult return catch to Phillip when he was on 22.
The West Indies bowlers tested Conway with varied lines, first around the wicket into his pads, then over the wicket across him toward slips. The Basin Reserve pitch has hardened since day one, offering pace, bounce, and sharp movement from a good length.
Ravindra, who scored 171 in the second innings of the drawn first Test, got off the mark just before lunch with a risky slice between slips and gully. Fast bowler Blair Tickner rejoined the New Zealand side after dislocating his left shoulder on the first day, having taken 4-32. The New Zealand team confirmed that Tickner will not bowl or field in this match and will only bat if absolutely necessary.
The series opener in Christchurch ended in a draw, and the third and final Test is scheduled to begin on December 18 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
(By PTI Inputs)
