WI reeling under Wagner effect
Wellington, December 1
Neil Wagner’s career best seven-wicket haul saw New Zealand seize the honours on Day One of the first Test against the West Indies.
The South African-born left-armer, a fiery short-ball specialist, claimed 7/39 as the West Indies crumbled to be all out for 134 in a first innings that lasted a mere 45.4 overs. In reply, New Zealand were 85/2 at the close of play with Jeet Raval on 29 and Ross Taylor on 12.
Debutant Sunil Ambris stepped back on his stumps with the first ball he faced in Test cricket. — AFP
Brief Scores: West Indies: 134 (Powell 42, Wagner 7/39, Boult 2/36); New Zealand: 85/2 (Raval 29*, Taylor 12*)
7/39Neil Wagner’s figures — the fourth-best ever for New Zealand in Tests. Richard Hadlee tops the list with 9/52 in Brisbane in 1985-86, which is the only instance of a NZ bowler taking more than seven wickets
