Tuesday 10 June 2014 23:19, UK
Kane Williamson registered his sixth Test century and passed 2,000 runs as New Zealand overcame testing batting conditions to post 240-2 on day one of the first Test against West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
The Kiwi right-hander, who has spent the start of the summer with Yorkshire, dug deep to end the opening day unbeaten on 105 from 263 balls faced.
Williamson, who excels against slow-paced bowling, reached his first Test hundred against West Indies in the penultimate over with back-to-back boundaries off Sulieman Benn, but was largely restrained on a bouncy track.
The 23-year-old, who passed 2,000 Test runs when he reached 36, hit 11 fours and forged a century partnership with left-hander Tom Latham (83), playing in just his second Test.
The pair came together after Peter Fulton edged recalled pace bowler Jerome Taylor behind for just one at the start of the ninth over with the score on 9-1.
Local boy Taylor was celebrating a second wicket when Latham edged to gully when on 39, however TV replays showed that the bowler had marginally overstepped in his delivery stride.
Latham cashed in and looked set for a maiden Test century but perished 17 runs shy when presenting a simple return catch to Shane Shillingford via the leading edge.
Ross Taylor (34) added late impetus to the day alongside Williamson, who avoided an uncomfortable night’s sleep when he guided Benn to the rope in the 90th over.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Chris Gayle, who is playing in his 100th Test for West Indies.
