Wagner’s career-best haul crushes WI
WELLINGTON: It was the Neil Wagner show as the New Zealand paceman tore through West Indies’ batting line-up to put the Black Caps in a commanding position at stumps on Day One of the first Test.
Wagner ripped through the Windies’, taking Test-best figures of 7-39 off 14.4 overs to help topple the tourists for just 134 in Wellington on Friday.
The 31-year-old – who was twice on a hat-trick in the first innings at Basin Reserve – orchestrated West Indies’ stunning collapse before tea, after Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell had put on a 59-run opening partnership.
New Zealand lost two wickets for three runs before the close of play, captain Kane Williamson
(1) and opener Tom Latham (37) succumbing to Kemar Roach and Jason Holder respectively as Jeet Raval (29 not out) and Ross Taylor (12 not out) guided the Kiwis to 85-2, 49 runs adrift.
Williamson won the toss, electing to bowl first and it seemed to be a questionable decision early as the Windies looked comfortable in the middle, with no seam or swing movement for
Trent Boult (2-36) and Matt Henry (0-39).
Brathwaite (24) and Powell (42) thwarted the New Zealand attack on a dominant morning for the Windies, that was before it all went downhill.
Brief Scores: West Indies 134 all out in 45.4 overs (K Brathwaite 24, K Powell 42, N Wagner 7-39) vs New Zealand 85-2 (T Latham 37, J Raval 29 no)