Black Caps in pole position at Basin Reserve

Thanks to more West Indies generosity than necessary, New Zealand felt they dodged a few grenades on day one at the Basin Reserve.

Now, in similar circumstances to a week previous in Dunedin, comes the chance to fire back some of their own in the second cricket test and push for that elusive victory. Already in credit at 307-6 after being sent in, anything in the range of 380 will be a competitive total on a pitch that offered enough for the quicks and should continue for at least another day.

"They did bowl a touch fuller but when you're inserted on a greenish wicket, we'll take six for 300 most days of the week," New Zealand centurymaker Ross Taylor said.
"Most balls did something. I wouldn't say it was nipping round corners but the odd ball kept you honest."
With an extra day's rest after their Dunedin slog, that should be enough to keep new ball duo Tim Southee and Trent Boult interested, especially if they can generate swing and utilise the extra zing and bounce on offer. This pitch can flatten out fast, though, so plenty of hard toil beckons.