New Zealand look to bowlers after Windies late charge

New Zealand drew positives from their batting collapse on day one of the second Test match against the West Indies in Hamilton Saturday, saying the signs looked good for their bowlers. The host slumped from 154 for the loss of one wicket to be 286 for seven at stumps, at one stage losing four top-middle order batsmen for 35 runs. But New Zealand opener Jeet Raval said the innings gave "encouraging signs for our bowlers", who are bolstered by the return of swing bowler Tim Southee. New Zealand would be looking to add at least another 50 when play resumes Sunday, said Raval. Raval, the top scorer with 84, anchored New Zealand's strong start before the West Indies found lines that worked and they slumped to 189 for five.

“It’s a reasonably satisfying day after losing the toss and being put in. Hopefully we can get a few more tomorrow” - Jeet Raval #nzvwi pic.twitter.com/IwhHMaNKG9

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 9, 2017

Lusty hitting by first Test century-maker Colin de Grandhomme (58 off 63 balls) and Mitchell Santner (24) then revived the innings in a rapid 76-run stand before Shannon Gabriel took the new ball and bowled them both. Tom Blundell was not out 12 at stumps with Neil Wagner on one. The West Indies believe they gifted New Zealand at least 30 runs with an ineffectual spell at the start of the day after winning the toss and bowling in accommodating conditions. But Gabriel, whose first two overs cost 22 runs as he had trouble with a damp piece of ground where he planted his foot, said the West Indies were satisfied with the position of the game. Raval featured in a 65-run stand for the first wicket with Tom Latham (22) and then added 89 with Kane Williamson (43) for the second before he became Gabriel's first wicket with an edge down legside to wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich.

50 - Jeet Raval has recorded 50+ runs in 6 of his 14 Test innings but has failed to turn any of them into 100s; 3 of his last 4 Test knocks have seen him dismissed in the 80s. Platforms. #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/i2EPNODZr6

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) December 9, 2017

The left-hand opener was again denied his maiden century, although his average from 14 innings improved to 47.61. Dowrich took four catches behind the stumps while Gabriel ended the day with three for 79 off 19 overs, and Miguel Cummins had two for 37 off 17 overs. Raymon Reifer, in his Test debut, also bowled 17 overs and removed Nicholls for 13 to have one for 36. Reifer, the only change to the West Indies side, was called up for his debut Test to replace the suspended Jason Holder, while New Zealand also made one change with Southee returning and Matt Henry dropping out. The West Indies need to win the Test to square the two-match series after New Zealand won the first Test by an innings and 67 runs in Wellington.

12 - Colin de Grandhomme has hit 12 sixes in Test cricket in 2017, the second most of any player. Force. #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/ggvKpMMluh

— OptaJason (@OptaJason) December 9, 2017

BRIEF SCORE New Zealand 286/7 in 87 overs (Raval 84, Gabriel 3/79)