Hay fifty on debut helps put New Zealand on top in West Indies Test

AFP | Wellington

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Mitch Hay scored an aggressive half-century on his Test debut to help New Zealand to a 41-run lead over the West Indies at the close of play on day two of the second Test in Wellington yesterday.

The Black Caps were 278 all out with about an hour to play in the final session, after the West Indies scored 205 at the Basin Reserve.

At stumps the visitors were 32-2 in their second innings, with Brandon King (15) and Kavem Hodge (3) at the crease.

Michael Rae and Jacob Duffy took a wicket each as New Zealand got through 10 overs in fading light.

Hay top-scored with 61 from 93 deliveries, playing with poise in his first taste of Test cricket. He hit nine fours and a six.

Anderson Phillip was the pick of the visiting bowlers, taking 3-70 in 13 overs. Kemar Roach had figures of 2-43.

The 25-year-old Hay came to the crease at 117-4 after Rachin Ravindra, for five, and Devon Conway, who made 60, fell in back-to-back overs immediately after lunch.

He quickly found his feet at Test level, at ease with the pace and movement of the Basin Reserve wicket.

Hay and Daryl Mitchell combined for a 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Hay the aggressor, leaving Mitchell in the unusual position of playing anchor.

"It was awesome to see Mitch do what he does," Mitchell said of his Canterbury teammate. "He's obviously done that for Canterbury for a number of years. He's good fun out in the middle, and he showcased the talent he's got.

"Debut's always nervy, and it's always nice to get that first run, so very proud of him."

Mitchell fell just before tea for 25 and Hay eventually hooked a ball to Roach in the deep.

Zak Foulkes added 23 unbeaten runs but ran out of partners.