New Zealand vs West Indies, 2nd Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Michael Rae: Rob (Walter) told me at training a couple of days ago, was sitting down on the covers and told me just to sort of get my head around playing. It’s been a real sort of surreal sort of couple of days, really pinched me. I’ve been a little bit expensive before lunch and actually probably haven’t bowled as well as I have been to this point. The length earlier probably was a little bit too full. But, it was obviously nice that I brought him (Campbell) forward and it took the edge. You do feel a little bit more confident, the adrenaline’s pumping and, you know, the body does loosen up a little bit. The West Indian boys are excellent cricketers, if you miss your length, they’re going to punish you straightaway. So I was lucky enough to take a couple of wickets today. I mean, Jacob and Zak bowled beautifully and they were unfortunate not to pick more up. I think if you win the toss on day one and elect to bowl and you’ve got the team knocked over for 200 and then you’re 20 for none at the end of the day’s play, I don’t think many teams are going to say no to that. Tom was really consistent with his messaging all throughout the day. We’re in a good group, he’s really honest with us. It wasn’t a case of beating around the bush, it was just we probably weren’t in the right area for long enough. He was really consistent with that messaging and then obviously we were able to reap the rewards towards the end of the day in that last session.

18:36 local, 05:36 GMT, 11:06 IST: Solid day for New Zealand. The first two sessions, you could argue, were shared, but the hosts forced a collapse in the final session and had the last six wickets for just 29 runs. Opting to bowl, New Zealand couldn't get as much assistance in the first session, but the surface picked up pace in the second and continued to cause discomfort as the batters got rushed by a burst of short balls. Tickner, it must be said, deserves a huge credit for his exceptional bowling picking up 4 of the top 5 wickets at crucial intervals. Debutant Michael Rae, after the initial spell, displayed decent control and claimed 3 while Duffy and Phillips chipped in one each. Nearly everything went to plan for the Kiwis except for the unfortunate injury to Tickner who might be ruled out of this game due to a dislocated shoulder (refer 66.2). We hope to have more information before the start of day 2. Do remember to tune in nice and early tomorrow. Cheers!!

Three slips and a gully for Ojay Shields

Last over of the day coming up...