Christchurch, Dec 5 (AP) - The New Zealand cricket team faced significant challenges on the fourth day of the first test against the West Indies. The hosts, hindered by injuries and a packed medical ward, struggled to overcome a determined resistance from the tourists, despite setting a daunting target of 531 runs to win.
Leading the West Indies' fightback was Shai Hope, who showcased his resilience with a stellar inning, notching his fourth test century. His unbroken partnership of 140 runs with Justin Greaves began after New Zealand claimed four wickets swiftly in the second session, providing a lifeline to the visitors.
At the close of play, Hope remained undefeated on 116, while Greaves supported him with an assured 55 not out, bringing the West Indies to 212-4, still trailing by 319 runs.
New Zealand concluded their second innings at 466-8 on Thursday, holding a commanding 530-run lead. It remains unclear whether they declared the innings or simply had no more fit batters to field. Injuries had taken a toll, with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell sidelined by a hamstring injury and allrounder Nathan Smith grappling with a side strain.
Compounding their woes, Matt Henry bowled 11 overs in the West Indies' second innings before leaving the field for medical scans on a painful calf at a nearby hospital. This left Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, relatively inexperienced with only two previous tests between them, as New Zealand's primary pace options.
Meanwhile, Shai Hope battled his own adversity. A severe eye infection forced him to bat in sunglasses throughout both innings. Yet, he managed a half-century in the first innings and a century in the second, despite struggling with the condition and requiring constant antibiotics. His efforts earned admiration from both teams' medical staff, who were kept busy throughout the day.
"I don't want to give away too much, but it's just about understanding what you have to do to overcome a situation," Hope commented. "They've got quality bowlers in test cricket, nobody's a walkover in this format."
New Zealand, short on bowling options, had to rely on spinners Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra at one end, and alternated Duffy and Foulkes with the wind at their backs from the other. Bracewell bowled 22 overs, taking 1-54, while Ravindra bowled nine overs. Duffy bowled 19 overs, finishing with 2-65, and Foulkes managed 13 overs.
The New Zealand innings resumed on Thursday with a score of 417-4. After leading the West Indies by 64 runs on the first innings, they had bowled the visitors out for 167 in response to New Zealand's 231.
Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham had dominated the third day, scoring 171 and 145, respectively. Latham, who took on the roles of captain, opener, and wicketkeeper due to Blundell's absence, continued batting on the fourth day without any significant ambition.
They added runs laboriously over 14 overs, losing Will Young (23), Bracewell (26), Henry (8), and Duffy (10) before the innings closed with Foulkes on 11 not out. Kemar Roach impressed with his bowling, claiming five wickets for 78 runs, becoming the oldest bowler at 37 to achieve such a feat against New Zealand. His 291 test wickets place him fifth in the West Indies' all-time list.
Following the conclusion of the New Zealand innings, John Campbell (15) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (6) navigated the West Indies through to lunch unscathed. However, Duffy's quick double strike after the break removed both openers, while Bracewell dispatched Alick Athanaze (5), and Henry took out Roston Chase (4), leaving the West Indies struggling at 72-4.
Hope and Greaves, however, remained resolute, batting through most of the final two sessions without further loss. Their determination sets up an exciting final day clash, with the fitness of Henry and Smith being potential game-changers.
(AP)
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