West Indies quicks make merry but Williamson, Bracewell ensure even day

Ojay Shields celebrates his maiden Test wicket (Getty Images)

New Zealand 231 for 9 (Williamson 52, Bracewell 47, Shields 2-34, Greaves 2-35) vs West Indies

Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith’s 52-run stand for the seventh wicket ensured New Zealand ended the rain-affected opening day on even terms. In seam-friendly conditions at Hagley Oval, Kane Williamson had laid the platform with a half-century, but once he fell, New Zealand collapsed to 148 for 6. They looked in danger of being bowled out for under 200 before the lower order steered them to 231 for 9 at stumps.

After winning the toss, West Indies captain Roston Chase had no hesitation in opting to bowl first. Apart from the overcast conditions and green pitch, Chase also pointed to the venue’s history. Of the 15 Tests played here, including the current one, only once has a team chosen to bat after winning the toss – South Africa in 2022.

Kemar Roach, playing his first Test since January 2025, needed only three balls to vindicate his captain’s decision. Bowling around the wicket, he pitched one up in the channel. Devon Conway hung his bat out, found a healthy outside edge, and Justin Greaves completed the catch at second slip.

Rain arrived after just 3.3 overs and halted play for 90 minutes. Another shower towards the end of the first session meant only 10.3 overs were possible before an early lunch was taken, with New Zealand scoring just 17 runs in that period.

Williamson increased the scoring rate after lunch, striking Johann Layne for two fours in three deliveries. Although not always in full control, he played late and defended with soft hands, as he so often does. That helped him survive while still accumulating runs on a difficult pitch.

Debutant Ojay Shields had a forgettable start. His first ball in Test cricket was short, wide, and a front-foot no-ball. Tom Latham, who had crawled to 2 off 47 balls, cut it for four. In the next over, Shields bowled Williamson through the gate — but had once again overstepped.

The pitch clearly offered assistance, but Layne and Shields were not disciplined enough to exploit it consistently. Greaves, however, was. In successive overs, he removed Williamson and Latham. Williamson was squared up and caught at second slip; Latham nicked an overpitched delivery to the wicketkeeper.

Soon after, Jayden Seales bowled Rachin Ravindra with a full delivery from around the wicket. Will Young made only 14 before Layne had him caught at second slip, giving the fast bowler his maiden Test wicket. Shields followed shortly after, when Tom Blundell inside-edged one onto his stumps.

Bracewell and Smith then combined to resurrect the innings. Bracewell was the aggressor, while Smith defended solidly. Chase eventually broke the partnership when Smith flicked one uppishly to short midwicket.

Realising there was little batting left, Bracewell began taking more risks. The strategy did not last long. On 47, he miscued a pull, giving Shields his second wicket. Matt Henry soon fell to the short ball, caught off Roach for 8. Two balls later, Roach struck Jacob Duffy on the helmet with another bouncer. As the physio arrived for a concussion test, the umpires deemed the light too poor to continue.

Only 70 overs were possible on the opening day. In those overs, West Indies conceded 23 extras — a number that could prove decisive in these conditions. (ESPNcricinfo)