New Zealand stretched its advantage over the West Indies to 164 runs by lunch on Day 3, though the hosts lost Kane Williamson and one other wicket in the morning session of the first test on Thursday.

Devon Conway was the first to fall, caught at third man by substitute fielder Kavem Hodge off Ojay Shields for 37. Williamson departed to the final ball before lunch, edging Kemar Roach to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach for 9.

Conway’s 84-run opening stand with Tom Latham steadied New Zealand as they reached 100-2 at the interval, with Latham unbeaten on 40. The home side had resumed on 32 without loss, already 96 runs ahead after bowling out the West Indies for 167 in response to their 231.

Improved overhead conditions and a settling surface at Hagley Oval eased batting compared to the seam-friendly first two days, when 20 wickets tumbled. Latham accumulated his runs patiently from 91 balls.

Williamson, returning to test cricket after a year, had appeared composed until Roach delivered a sharp, angled delivery that induced the edge. Roach impressed throughout the session, bowling three straight maidens and closing with figures of 1-19.

New Zealand reaches 17–1 at lunch after rain disrupts opening day of first Test against West Indies

New Zealand’s lineup remains hit by injuries, with Tom Blundell sidelined by a hamstring issue and allrounder Nathan Smith nursing a side strain.

The Black Caps have yet to complete a match in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, having played only one earlier series this year — a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in August.

Source: AP