West Indies loses opening Test against New Zealand

West Indies loses opening Test against New Zealand
Associated Press / Kirsty Wigglesworth, File

West Indies lost the opening Test against New Zealand by an innings and 67 runs inside four days at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday, Dec. 4

The regional team was bundled out cheaply on day one, as the side declined from 59 without loss to 134 for all out — their lowest ever total in seven Tests at the venue — as left-arm fast bowler Neil Wagner wrecked the innings with a career-best seven-wicket haul for 39. He ended the match with 9 for 141. He was named man-of-the-match.

New comer to the Test team, Sunil Ambris endured an inglorious debut when he trod on his stumps from the first ball he faced from Wagner.

It was a day of records as Colin de Grandhomme smashed the fastest-ever maiden Test century by a New Zealander.

The 31-year-old’s aggressive hundred, in only his seventh Test following his debut a year ago, came from just 72 balls and propelled the Black Caps to a massive 447 for nine in their first innings- a massive lead of 313 runs with three days left in the contest. West Indies were bowled out for 134 after being sent in to bat.

Arriving at number seven in the second over of the final session, de Grandhomme reached the landmark to also record the joint ninth-fastest Test century of all time and the fastest ever against West Indies.

He posted 148 for the seventh wicket with Tom Blundell (57), who faced 100 deliveries and struck six fours, a partnership that foiled the West Indies fight.

The Zimbabwe-born all-rounder de Grandhomme faced 74 balls and struck ll fours and three sixes before being caught by Roston Chase half an hour before close.

Kemar Roach bowled impressively to end with 3 for 73, Miguel Cummings (2-74) and Roston Chase (2-83).