Lower-order grit rescues New Zealand on opening day

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC):

A DEFIANT 52-run partnership between Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith rescued New Zealand from a mid-innings collapse, steering the hosts to 231 for 9 on a rain-ravaged and dramatic first day of the first Test against the West Indies on Monday night.

After West Indies captain Roston Chase won an important toss and elected to bowl under heavy clouds, his decision was immediately vindicated.

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach, playing his first Test in over a year, struck with just his third delivery, removing Devon Conway caught at slip by a diving Justin Greaves.

The weather then became the primary bowler, with two separate showers limiting play to just 10.3 overs before lunch, with New Zealand crawling to 17 for 1, with Kane Williamson on 13 and Tom Latham, one.

Williamson emerged after the break to counter-attack on a seaming Hagley Oval pitch, grafting his way to a classy 52, which came off 102 balls and included six fours.

He demonstrated his trademark technique, playing late and with soft hands to survive the persistent threat. However, his departure triggered an alarming collapse of 5 for 96, as the disciplined seam bowling of Greaves, who bagged 2-35, removed both Williamson and Tom Latham.

Debutant Ojay Shields overcame a nervous start, which included a no-ball that reprieved Williamson, to claim two crucial wickets, including Tom Blundell for 29.

At 148 for 6, New Zealand risked being dismissed cheaply; however, they dug deep to ensure that they had at least a respectable first-innings score to kick-start the series.

Enter Bracewell and Smith. The pair combined for a vital 52-run seventh-wicket stand, with Bracewell going on to get 47, playing the aggressor and Smith offering resolute defence.

Their resistance pushed the total towards respectability before the off-break of Chase broke the stand, dismissing Smith for 25.

Bracewell’s attempt to farm the tail ended when he miscued a pull shot off Shields, who finished with 2-34.

The day concluded in concerning fashion when the last man, Jacob Duffy, was struck on the helmet by a Roach bouncer, prompting the umpires to offer the light with New Zealand nine down.

Only 70 overs were possible on a day defined by weather.