Williamson ton gives NZ edge against West Indies

No 3 hits 11 boundaries in unbeaten 105 as tourists finish first day of first test on 240-2

Kane Williamson scored his sixth test century yesterday to lead New Zealand to a satisfying 240-2 against the West Indies at the close of day one at Sabina Park.

The No 3 crafted an undefeated 105 at Sabina Park in the first test, spiced with 11 boundaries off 263 balls in 323 minutes.

Williamson got great support from opener Tom Latham, who hit 83 in an assured second wicket stand of 165. Left-hander Latham, in only his second test, hit 10 fours.

Veteran Ross Taylor was also an able ally for the 23-year-old Williamson, putting on an unbroken 66 partnership before stumps as the West Indies toiled on an unresponsive pitch. Taylor hit six fours in 34 not out.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor was the best of the host bowlers with 1-22 from 17 overs. Off-spinner Shane Shillingford took 1-62 from 24.

New Zealand started slowly after winning the toss, and had an early setback in the ninth over when righthander Peter Fulton (1) edged Taylor through to new West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin behind the stumps at 9-1.

But Latham and Williamson settled in resolutely to dull the home team’s attack for almost four hours.

Latham endured a few anxious moments. Umpire Richard Illingworth gave Latham out for 28 to a short leg catch off left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, but third umpire Ian Gould overturned the decision after the left-hander reviewed it immediately.

Latham thought he had finally been dismissed in the first over after lunch when, on 39, he edged to gully off Taylor. But television replays confirmed the Jamaican had overstepped by a fine margin and the wicket was nullified by a no-ball call.

Williamson passed 2000 test runs when he reached 36 and he and Latham both brought up their half centuries midway through the day.

The West Indies finally prised out Latham in the final session, Shillingford earning a return catch off the leading edge.

Williamson moved sedately towards three figures and spent 51 minutes stuck on 93, before cutting Benn for two fours through third man to bring up a memorable century just before the close.