Tuesday 10 June 2014 23:18, UK
Jimmy Neesham became the first New Zealander to score hundreds in his first two Tests, helping his side into a strong position against West Indies in Jamaica in the process.
Left-hander Neesham made 107 as he and BJ Watling (89) put on a sixth-wicket stand worth 201, allowing the Black Caps to declare their first innings on 508-7 late on the second day of the series opener.
Chris Gayle – playing in his 100th Test – and Kieran Powell managed to come through a tricky nine-over period unscathed, though not without a let-off.
Powell was put down at second slip by Peter Fulton off the bowling of Tim Southee as he reached stumps on 11, his fellow left-handed opener eight not out at the other end to make it 19-0.
Resuming on 240-2, New Zealand looked in danger of wasting their efforts on the opening day of the match when they slumped to 279-5.
Centurion Kane Williamson added just eight runs to his overnight total before becoming the first wicket to fall, the right-hander dismissed for 113 when he left alone a delivery from left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn that crashed into his off stump.
His departure ended a third-wicket alliance of 84 with Ross Taylor, who was the next man to go having reached a well-constructed half-century that included eight fours.
Shane Shillingford had the former New Zealand captain caught at mid-wicket for 55 and when current leader Brendon McCullum was dismissed by Benn two runs later, Gayle taking a catch at slip after a deflection off wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, the Kiwis were wobbling.
However Neesham – who made 137 on his debut against India earlier this year – and Watling combined to not only frustrate West Indies but leave them facing a real challenge to leave Sabina Park with the series still all square.
In becoming just the eighth player to manage successive centuries at the start of his Test career Neesham hit 11 fours and two sixes, both his maximums coming in the same Shillingford over.
His 171-ball knock finally came to an end when he feathered a catch through to West Indies skipper Ramdin, while wicketkeeper-batsman Watling fell short of three figures as he was caught in the deep pursuing quick runs.
Tim Southee struck 21 not out from just seven deliveries while spin duo Benn and Shillingford finished with three wickets apiece on a pitch offering turn but lacking in pace.
