Campbell and King show fight and grit with a determined 100 run opening stand after NZ declare on a healthy 575.
Campbell and King give West Indies century opening stand after New Zealand declare on 575.
In Mount Maunganui, Devon Conway scored a double century and put New Zealand in such a good position that they went overboard.
With 575 for 8 declared, their fifth-highest Test score at home, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Michael Rae rushed in expecting wickets to fall. Both teams have now squandered the new ball on a green pitch because they bowled far too full and were taken for far too many.
The West Indies scored 88 runs in 15 overs, including 13 fours. Ten wides are not included in it. John Campbell and Brandon King did not bat as though they were burdened by the 500-plus deficit or the 155 overs on the field. They focused on playing late, playing straight and were still alert enough to punish an overly enthusiastic New Zealand attack.
The West Indies are still behind by 465 at the start of the third day, but you can’t focus too much on the scoreboard in these kinds of games. You simply put your head down and carry on. King and Campbell achieved their first century together as an opening combination and only the sixth for the West Indies in the previous 11 years by doing just that. King even managed to get his second fifty in Test cricket.
Even on the first day, these goodies were available; New Zealand was at the opposite end. The visitors’ discipline with the ball has also changed dramatically in the last twenty-four hours.
Roston Chase bowled 25 overs unchanged from morning drinks to make up for Kemar Roach’s hamstring injury, while Justin Greaves skilfully set up Kane Williamson to dismiss one of the world’s top hitters for just 31. Because Shai Hope was sick all day at the hotel and might not be able to bat at his customary No. 4 spot, he is a more serious issue.
There will be new difficulties on day three. Already, Chase’s offbreaks were turning, bouncing, and gaining grip. This match is still intriguingly poised and unique—it’s the first in New Zealand history to include two century opening stands in the first innings—and Ajaz Patel will have a lot to say.