New Zealand Well On Top

New Zealand has dominated day two of the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Stephen Fleming, Peter Fulton and Nathan Astle all notched up half centuries as New Zealand built a substantial lead of 143 runs by the close of play.

Day two started with New Zealand cleaning up the West Indian tail courtesy of some tight bowling from Kyle Mills. Mills took both remaining wickets early, with the Windies only able to add a further 10 runs to their overnight score. Their final total of 192 all out was quite simply not acceptable after electing to bat first.

New Zealand’s top order woes continued, with both Jamie How and Hamish Marshall failing again. Marshall was out trying to work the ball square of the wicket, getting a leading edge off Ian Bradshaw straight to short cover with both his and the teams score on three.

How was out next over for a duck, dragging a full Fidel Edwards thunderbolt back on to his stumps, and suddenly New Zealand were on the back foot at 3/2.

Cue Stephen Fleming and Peter Fulton to come in and put on a big partnership. The two tallest men in the New Zealand side turned the tide in their favor, putting on 165 for the third wicket.

Fleming was the dominant figure in the century stand, smashing the West Indian bowlers to all parts of the Basin in a great counter attacking innings. Unfortunately Fleming once again fell short of three figures, caught on the third man boundary for 97 off the bowling of Dwayne Bravo. He had done his job however, turning New Zealand from a shocking position to a position of dominance.

Fulton played well for his 75, particularly square of the wicket where the bowlers allowed him too much room to play his natural game. A lapse of concentration cost him his wicket however, out first ball after tea, edging Daren Powell to the keeper.

Powell then got on a bit of a roll, removing Scott Styris, who pushed away outside off and was caught well by Morton at second slip for eight. He also got rid of Brendon McCullum, who top edged a hook and was taking brilliantly by Ramdin for 23.

With the score at 246/6, the West Indies had a real opportunity to restrict New Zealand to only a small lead. Nathan Astle and Daniel Vettori significantly extended the difference between the two teams though, putting on 86 runs until Vettori was out to Edwards just before the close of play.

Overall the West Indies fielding effort lacked penetration and discipline, offering too many easy runs to firstly Fulton and Fleming and then also to Astle and Vettori late in the day. There were 15 no-balls and the catching was dreadful, three easy chances went to ground and they were made to pay.

New Zealand ended the day on 335/7, Astle was still there at stumps on 65 and with James Franklin and Kyle Mills, who are both capable bats, still to come, the kiwis look set to add a few more runs to an already decent lead.

Match Summary – End of Day Two

West Indies 192 all out R. Morton 63 J. Franklin 5/53

New Zealand 335/7 S. Fleming 97 P. Fulton 75 N. Astle 65