Devon Conway compiled a composed half-century in a 67-run stand with Kane Williamson to guide New Zealand to 112-2 at lunch on Thursday, the second day of the second Test against the West Indies.

The hosts added 88 runs in the morning session, responding to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 205, on a Basin Reserve pitch that continued to offer pace and movement for the quicks.

Kemar Roach struck early, removing Tom Latham for 11 in the fifth over of the day with a delivery that seamed back and hit off stump. Williamson, who looked settled on his way to 37, was undone just before lunch by a superb Anderson Phillip delivery that pitched on middle and straightened enough to clip off stump.

Conway went into the interval unbeaten on 55, while Rachin Ravindra was batting on 5. Conway enjoyed a life on 29 when Brandon King dropped him at leg gully off Jayden Seales, and Williamson survived a tough return chance to Phillip on 22.

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West Indies’ seamers worked hard to unsettle Conway, alternating between attacking his pads from around the wicket and moving the ball across him from over the wicket.

The surface hardened overnight, offering consistent bounce and sharp movement from a good length. Ravindra, who struck 171 in the second innings of the drawn first Test, got off the mark shortly before lunch with an edge that flew between slip and gully.

Meanwhile, New Zealand confirmed that fast bowler Blair Tickner, who dislocated his left shoulder on day one after taking 4-32, has rejoined the squad but will not bowl or field again in the match. He will bat only if required.

The opening Test in Christchurch ended in a draw. The series finale begins Dec. 18 at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Source: AP