Devon Conway’s second double century in Test cricket powered New Zealand to a commanding 575 for eight declared, but the West Indies hit back with an unbeaten 110-run opening stand on the second day of the third Test.
Conway’s marathon 227, combined with Tom Latham’s fluent 145 and an unbeaten 72 from Rachin Ravindra, put the hosts firmly in control for much of the day. However, late resistance from West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King ensured the contest remained finely poised heading into day three.
With New Zealand leading the series 1–0 following a win and a draw, the hosts were keen to press home their advantage. Conway was the centrepiece of the innings, batting for nearly eight and a half hours. He brought up his double hundred off 316 balls and finished with 227 from 367 deliveries, striking 31 boundaries.
The left-hander eclipsed his previous Test best of 200, scored on debut at Lord’s in 2021. Alongside him, Latham stitched together a massive 323-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for New Zealand’s imposing total. Ravindra later accelerated the scoring, adding urgency to the innings with six fours and two sixes before the declaration, while Ajaz Patel chipped in with an unbeaten 30 in a 39-run stand.
Despite being without Kemar Roach due to a hamstring injury and Shai Hope because of illness, the West Indies bowlers showed resilience. They sent down 155 overs in total, including 65 on the second day, and found regular edges as the innings wore on. Wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach collected four catches, while Justin Greaves was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 83 from 29 overs.
New Zealand’s middle order faltered after lunch, losing Daryl Mitchell for 11 and Tom Blundell for 4. Glen Phillips added 29 before falling late in the day, prompting Ravindra to step up the tempo as the declaration loomed at around 5 p.m., leaving approximately 90 minutes for the bowlers.
However, the West Indies openers seized the opportunity, batting with intent to reach 110 without loss from just 23 overs by stumps. King brought up a brisk half-century off 63 balls and finished unbeaten on 55, while Campbell remained not out on 45.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled for consistency in the fading light, with Zak Foulkes conceding 39 runs from six overs as the visitors punished loose deliveries.
Reflecting on the day, Ravindra admitted New Zealand had hoped for a late breakthrough.
“We would have liked a wicket at the end, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. King and Campbell batted really well and punished us when we missed our lengths,” he said. “Hopefully, the pitch wears a little from here and offers something for the spinners.”
With the West Indies showing resolve and New Zealand holding a series lead, the third Test remains delicately balanced as both sides look to seize momentum on day three.
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