N. Zealand look to bowlers after Windies’ late charge

HAMILTON ( New Zealand): New Zealand drew positives from their batting collapse on day one of the second Test against the West Indies in Hamilton, saying the signs looked good for their bowlers.

The hosts slumped from 154 for one to be 286 for seven at stumps, at one stage losing four top-middle order batsmen for 35 runs yesterday.

But New Zealand opener Jeet Raval said the innings gave “encouraging signs for our bowlers”, who are bolstered by the return of swing bowler Tim Southee.

New Zealand would be looking to add at least another 50 when play resumes today, said Raval.

Raval, the top scorer with 84, anchored New Zealand’s strong start before the West Indies found lines that worked and they slumped to 189 for five.

Lusty hitting by first Test century-maker Colin de Grandhomme (58 off 63 balls) and Mitchell Santner (24) then revived the innings in a rapid 76-run stand before Shannon Gabriel took the new ball and bowled them both.

Tom Blundell was not out 12 at stumps with Neil Wagner on one.

■ PERTH: Opener Keaton Jennings top scored but Test all-rounder Moeen Ali missed out on runs in England’s two-day tour game against a Cricket Australia XI in Perth yesterday.

Jennings hit 80 off 116 balls with 14 fours and a six, and fast bowler Tom Curran an unbeaten 77 off 90 balls, in the tourists’ 314 for nine declared on the opening day of the game.

But Moeen missed out on a good opportunity to bat himself into form ahead of Thursday’s third Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, scoring 24 from 35 balls before he was caught behind in the second over after lunch.