Williamson powers Black Caps to commanding position

KANE WILLIAMSON produced a captain's knock of 251 to guide New Zealand to a commanding position at the end of the second day, of the first Test against the West Indies, at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Friday.

Williamson's Test-best innings paced the Black Caps to 519 runs for seven wickets declared, and the West Indies closed play on 49 without loss.

Continuing from their overnight score of 243/2, New Zealand lost Ross Taylor (38) and Henry Nicholls (seven) before lunch, Tom Blundell (14) and debutant Daryl Mitchell (nine) after the break.

But Williamson found a useful partner in Kyle Jamieson, who also made a Test-best, 51 (64 deliveries, five fours and two sixes), as they combined for a seventh-wicket partnership of 94 in 16 overs, taking toll on a tiring WI attack.

Williamson (412 balls, 34 fours and two sixes) was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, but the declaration came shortly afterwards, when Jamieson reached his maiden Test fifty.

Shannon Gabriel captured three wickets for 89 runs for the WI while new-ball bowler, pacer Kemar Roach, took 3/114.

Openers John Campbell (22) and Kraigg Brathwaite (20) negotiated the New Zealand attack during the final session, but they will have a lot to do on the third day, as experienced middle order batsman Darren Bravo (Achilles) and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich (hand) were off the field for the entire second day, due to injuries.