Hay hits debut fifty as NZ secure 73-run lead against WI

AFP/APP

Wellington: Debutant Mitch Hay struck a composed half-century to help New Zealand build a 73-run first-innings lead before being bowled out for 278 on day two of the second Test against the West Indies on Wednesday.

Hay made an impressive 61 off 93 balls, hitting nine fours and a six in his maiden Test innings. The Black Caps had earlier dismissed the visitors for 205.

Anderson Phillip was the standout bowler for the West Indies with 3–70, while Kemar Roach took 2–43.

Coming in at 117–4 after the quick dismissals of Rachin Ravindra (5) and Devon Conway (60) soon after lunch, Hay settled quickly and looked at ease on the Basin Reserve wicket.

He put on a 73-run stand with Daryl Mitchell for the fifth wicket, dominating the scoring as Mitchell played a rare anchoring role. Mitchell fell for 25 just before tea, while Hay’s innings ended when he hooked a delivery straight to Roach in the deep.

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Zak Foulkes added an unbeaten 23 after tea but ran out of partners.

Earlier, Conway compiled a well-crafted 60 off 108 balls before feathering a catch down the leg side to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach. He and Kane Williamson steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership after Tom Latham was bowled by Roach for 11.

Williamson looked in strong touch, hitting seven fours in his 37 before Phillip produced a superb swinging delivery to knock back his off stump.

New Zealand suffered a setback as seam bowler Blair Tickner was ruled out of bowling and fielding for the rest of the match after dislocating his shoulder on day one. Tickner, who had claimed a career-best 4–32 on Tuesday, will only bat if required.

The first Test of the two-match series ended in a draw.