NZ Stumbles as West Indies' Pace Attack Dominates on Day One
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New Zealand's batting lineup faced a stern test on a rain-shortened day one of the first Test against the West Indies, eventually reaching 231-9. The visitors' collapse from 94-1 to 148-6 was triggered by Justin Greaves, who dismissed Kane Williamson for 52 - the New Zealand captain's 38th Test half-century. Williamson's wicket marked the beginning of a middle-order collapse, with the West Indies pace attack exploiting the bowler-friendly conditions. The hosts' Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith staged a face-saving 52-run stand for the seventh wicket, but ultimately fell to debutant Ojay Shields and Jayden Seales. Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy were batting on four when bad light stopped play. According to Bracewell, the day was 'pretty even' considering the wicket, which was described as 'old school' by the New Zealand all-rounder. The West Indies' pace attack, led by Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves, revived memories of the legendary Calypso quicks. Despite the initial success of Roach, the hosts made the visitors wait 29 overs for their next wicket. The day's play was marked by two rain breaks, with the extended first session allowing Williamson and Tom Latham to put on 93 runs for the second wicket. However, a second shower brought lunch, and the New Zealand pair's cautious approach eventually gave way to a collapse, as the West Indies took three wickets for nine runs in the space of 21 deliveries.
