WI Dominate Early, but Williamson & Bracewell Keep NZ in Fight

West Indies fast bowlers enjoyed a rain-cut shortened first day, yet Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand finish the day on level terms. West Indies were first and took nine wickets in favourable conditions at the Hagley Oval, leaving New Zealand at 231/9 by the close of the day.

Bracewell Smith Stand Rescues New Zealand

The seventh wicket partnership of 52 runs between Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith was vital. New Zealand were in trouble at 148/6 with plenty of seam movement on offer, though Williamson had made a calm half-century. The lower-order, however, provided sufficient resistance to drag the hosts once again into the competition.

After winning the toss, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bowl without hesitation, citing the green pitch and Hagley Oval’s history. This was one of 15 Tests played at Hagley Oval, and only once has a team chosen to bat first: the South Africans in 2022.

Rain Interruptions and Early Strikes

Kemar Roach, who had not played Test cricket since January 2025, had to do little more than three deliveries to warrant the call. He bowled one round the wicket, and Devon Conway caught it, hit a thick edge, and Justin Greaves finished the process in second slip.

However, only 3.3 overs, rain stopped play for 90 minutes, right when the visitors had begun making early inroads. The second downpour towards the end of the session limited the morning to only 10.3 overs, where New Zealand crawled to 17.

After lunch, Williamson lifted the tempo by striking Johann Layne for two boundaries in three balls. Even though he wasn’t in complete control, his soft hands and late play kept him afloat on a pitch offering plenty.

Debutant Ojay Shields initially struggled. His first Test delivery was a short and wide no-ball, which Tom Latham, who had been stuck on 2 off 47 balls, cut for four. In his next over, Shields bowled Williamson through the gate, but yet again had overstepped.

The conditions still had enough help, but Layne and Shields couldn’t fully capitalize. Greaves did. Bowling with discipline, he removed both Williamson and Latham in consecutive overs. Williamson was squared up and caught at second slip, and Latham edged an overpitched ball behind.

Shortly after, Jayden Seales knocked over Rachin Ravindra with a full ball from around the wicket. Will Young fell for 14, edging Layne to second slip to give the debutant his maiden Test wicket. Shields followed with another when Tom Blundell chopped one onto his stumps.

Bracewell and Smith then steadied the innings. Bracewell took the attacking route while Smith played the anchor role. Chase eventually broke the stand when Smith flicked a delivery straight to short midwicket.

Bracewell, seeing that there was not much time remaining to bat, rendered a sudden run-up, but the venture was unsuccessful. He went 47 without playing a pull shot, giving Shields his second wicket. Matt Henry fell for 8 to a short ball, edging to Roach, and in the next two balls, Jacob Duffy was struck on the helmet by another bouncer. The umpires determined that the light was unsuitable for play when the physio examined the possible concussion.  

The 23 extras conceded by West Indies could also play a decisive role in such challenging conditions.