West Indies frustrated by Williamson's unbeaten 97

NEW ZEALAND captain Kane Williamson ended day one of the first Test match against West Indies just three runs shy of a century to put his team in a formidable position at stumps in Hamilton, on Thursday.

After a two-hour delay because of rain West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel got the regional team off to the perfect start removing opener Will Young for five.

Williamson and Tom Latham then joined forces to put on 154 runs for the second wicket, before fast bowler Kemar Roach bowled Latham for 86 with the score on 168. Latham’s knock came off 184 deliveries and included 12 fours and one six.

There was no more reward for the Windies as the experienced Ross Taylor and Williamson took New Zealand to 243/2 at the close. Williamson closed on 97 not out off 219 balls with 16 fours and Taylor is 31 not out.

Roach grabbed 1/53 in 15 overs and Gabriel took 1/62 in 17 overs.

Despite the two-hour delay only 12 overs were lost on day one.

SUMMARISED SCORES

NEW ZEALAND 243/2 – Kane Williamson 97 not out, Tom Latham 86, Ross Taylor 31 not out; Kemar Roach 1/53, Shannon Gabriel 1/62 vs WEST INDIES