Williamson and Bracewell make even day As Windies show fight in the opening day of the first Test at Christchurch.
West Indies quicks make merry but Williamson and Bracewell ensure even day.
Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith’s 52-run stand for the seventh wicket ensured New Zealand concluded the rain-affected opening day on an even keel. Kane Williamson had established the foundation with a half-century in seam-friendly conditions at the Hagley Oval, but New Zealand slipped to 148 for 6 after he was dismissed. Before the lower order took them to 231 for 9 at stumps, they appeared to be in danger of being bowled out under 200.
Roston Chase, the captain of the West Indies, chose to bowl first without hesitation. Chase mentioned the venue’s past in addition to the cloudy weather and green pitch. Only once in the 15 Test matches played here, including this one, has a team chosen to bat after winning the toss. South Africa in 2022.
In his first Test match since January, Kemar Roach proved his captain correct with just three balls. Bowling around the wicket, he pitched one up in the channel. Devon Conway poked at it, got a healthy outside edge, and Justin Greaves did the rest at second slip.
However, rain stopped play for ninety minutes after just 3.3 overs. Only 10.3 overs could be played before an early lunch was eaten due to another shower towards the end of the first session. During that time, New Zealand only managed to score 17.
After lunch, Williamson increased the number of runs scored by hitting Johann Layne twice in three balls. While he was not always in control, he played late and defended with delicate hands, like he always does.
Ojay Shields, a rookie, got off to a forgettable start. His debut ball in Test cricket was short and wide and a front-foot no-ball. Tom Latham cut it away for four after being on 2 off 47 up to that point. Shields bowled Williamson over the gate in his subsequent over, but he had gone too far once more.
That demonstrated that the pitch was still providing assistance, but Layne and Shields lacked the self-control to capitalise on it. But Greaves was. He dismissed Latham and Williamson in consecutive overs. Latham nicked an overpitched delivery to the wicketkeeper, and Williamson was squared up and caught at second slip.
Bracewell and Smith then got together and rejuvenated the innings. Bracewell was the aggressor in their stand, but Smith defended well. Chase eventually broke the stand when Smith flicked one uppishly to short midwicket.
Bracewell understood there was not much batting left and started taking greater risks. The technique didn’t work for long, though. He mishandled a pull on 47, giving Shields his second wicket. Matt Henry was also caught off Roach for eight after falling to the short ball.
The day’s play could only last 70 overs. West Indies conceded 23 extras in those 70 overs, which may be crucial under these circumstances.