Conway and Hay's Fifties Extend New Zealand's Lead in Wellington Test

On the 2nd day, Devon Conway and Mitchell Hay both played crucial knocks, each scoring a half-century. On a damp and slow surface, they built an imposing first-innings advantage. New Zealand scored 278/9, and they had a 73-run lead. However, New Zealand bowlers took early wickets that left the West Indies hanging.

Conway and Hay Stand Out

Conway and Hay were the standout players of New Zealand, and each made the prerequisite half-centuries that put the side on its feet. Conway, who has proved himself one of the most regular players on the team, had 60 runs in his first half-century against the West Indies, and his steady strike brought the innings under control following early defections.

On his New Zealand debut, Hay scored an enterprising 61. He batted at number six and uses his instincts in white-ball batting.

These performances preconditioned the declaration of New Zealand at 278/9, but there were still some instances of inconsistency within the team. Batters like Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra never translated good starts into large scores so that the West Indies could stay in the competition. 

West Indies Bowlers Fight Back

During the middle overs, West Indies' seamers did a great job of keeping New Zealand in check, creating pressure that led to wickets. Swings and seam conditions enable Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip to contain the New Zealand batsmen. Roach, particularly, was very deadly, sending Tom home early with a nip-backer which tore away the off stump.

Phillip added to this by dismissing Kane Williamson for 37. Despite a brief recovery from the West Indies, New Zealand managed to add much-needed runs before declaring.

 

New Zealand’s Bowlers Take Early Control

Having started the battle unsteadily, New Zealand bowlers took advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their position in the game. New Zealand had already fallen behind to ensure that the visitors would not be rescued.

John Campbell was the first; Michael had sent him away with a bitter word that hit the off stump. The following had a nightwatchman, Philip, survive an initial DRS inspection over a caught-behind Jacob Duffy, but a second inspection made it an LBW dismissal. These two initial wickets predetermined the rest of the day, and the New Zealand bowlers did not foot off the gas.

 

West Indies' Struggle Continues

As the day progressed, the West Indies' batting continued to falter. Brandon King (15*) and Kavem Hodge (3*) were at the crease when stumps were drawn, but they still had a mountain to climb. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Rae and Duffy, are in good form and have already made significant inroads into the West Indies lineup.

Despite having a couple of key batters left to play, West Indies will need a strong comeback on Day 3 to stay in the game. With the pitch expected to ease up a bit, it will be crucial for the West Indies batters to adapt and build partnerships. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to take quick wickets and push for a victory.