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AUCKLAND, March 10 (AFP): The outcome of the first Test between New Zealand and the West Indies hung on a knife edge at the close of the second day Friday, but an outright result seemed inevitable as wickets tumbled regularly.
New Zealand held a 116-run lead, but with only six second innings wickets in hand and first innings century-make Scott Styris already back in the pavilion. After dismissing the West Indies for 257 in their first innings, New Zealand claimed a slender 18-run lead.
But any psychological advantage quickly disappeared as their top order again failed to establish any partnership of note and at stumps they were 98 for four in their second innings.
Opener Hamish Marshall fell cheaply, and just when Jamie How and Peter Fulton offered some hope by carrying the score through to 66 for one, the West Indies broke through with three quick wickets to wrest back the initiative.
How reached 37 before he skied Ian Bradshaw and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin turned and ran 30 metres to take the catch. Fulton was bowled by Edwards for 28 and Styris hooked Edwards down to Bradshaw on the boundary to be out for five.
Stephen Fleming, who survived a dropped catch down the leg side before scoring and later edged three balls through the gully cordon, had progressed to 19 by stumps.
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