Richardson out for 95 as Windies fightback
Gareth Chetwynd
Opener Mark Richardson fell five runs short of a century as New Zealand reached 208 for five against West Indies at the end of the first day of the second Test on Friday.
A late two-wicket burst by West Indies paceman Pedro Collins stalled the tourists's progress at the Queen's Park ground.
He ended a 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Richardson and Nathan Astle, then sent back nightwatchman Daniel Vettori.
Richardson and Astle came together when New Zealand, asked to bat first by West Indies captain Carl Hooper, were 82 for three, having lost two wickets in quick succession after lunch.
The pair took a safety-first approach which made for absorbing and occasionally entertaining cricket.
The run-rate dropped sharply, but Richardson continued to work loose balls for runs, especially on his favourite leg side.
He fired three successive fours off medium pace bowler Adam Sanford, including one splendid cut, to punish some sluggish short deliveries.
In the final session Astle also began to step up a gear, with spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo his main victim.
Astle hit two successive sixes in the 74th over and thumped him for two consecutive fours two overs later.
"I think this was a pretty fair reflection of the day," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said.
"They bowled pretty well...and kept good lines on a wicket and an outfield that is a little bit slow," he added.
Cameron Cuffy made the first breakthrough when he bowled opener Lou Vincent for 24, ending a 61-run stand with Richardson shortly before lunch.
Fleming came in next and never looked settled, scoring just six runs before edging Collins to Brian Lara at slip.
Hooper then applied good pressure, using the stiff cross breeze to get the ball to drift and turn.
Chris Harris was next out, when he edged Hooper to wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs without scoring.
"It was a fairly hard day. I think our bowlers did well, given the wicket. We are still in the game and we'll try to come out tomorrow and finish the New Zealanders off," Hopper said.
New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the Barbados Test by a crushing 204-run margin on Monday.
The win was New Zealand's first Test victory in the West Indies in 11 previous attempts.
Mail Cricket Editor
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