Ross Taylor`s double ton helps NZ to mammoth total

Last Updated: Wednesday, December 04, 2013, 09:53  

Dunedin: Ross Taylor posted his first test double century in guiding New Zealand to a mammoth 575 for eight at tea on the second day of the first test against West Indies at University Oval on Wednesday.

Taylor, whose previous best test score was 154 not out against England in 2008, produced a controlled innings of 206 not out and combined in big partnerships with Brendon McCullum (113), BJ Watling (41) and Ish Sodhi (35) as the hosts batted themselves into what looks like an impregnable position.

Taylor hit a boundary to move to 199 then paddled the ball behind square for three runs to reach the milestone and receive a standing ovation from the crowd.

He is the 13th New Zealand batsman to score a double century in test cricket.

Neil Wagner (14) was with Taylor at the break.

The 29-year-old Taylor, typically an attacking batsman, had to curb his instincts on the second day as the visiting bowlers were far more disciplined than on Tuesday after they had won the toss and chosen to bowl on the green-tinged pitch.

The hosts resumed on 445 for five after lunch and looked comfortable before Watling was well caught by Kirk Edwards at second slip when Tino Best got a delivery to pop off a length and left New Zealand at 469 for six.

Pace bowler Tim Southee was dismissed three runs later, well caught by Darren Bravo (two) at slip after he prodded at a Narsingh Deonarine delivery, and there was the suggestion they could bowl the hosts before they reached 500.


Sodhi, making his first test appearance at home after his debut against Bangladesh in October, stepped in as an able counterpart to Taylor before he was caught and bowled by Deonarine.

Captain McCullum and Taylor had resumed the day at 367 for three and set a record for New Zealand`s fourth wicket against West Indies when they scampered through for a quick single to take their partnership to 190 runs, surpassing the 189 Mathew Sinclair and Nathan Astle compiled in late 1999.

However, they were unable to extend that record much further as McCullum was bowled for 113 by a Darren Sammy delivery that nipped back and hit off stump to leave the hosts 380 for four before Corey Anderson was then caught behind for a duck.

West Indies, already hampered by picking just two frontline pace bowlers in Best and Shannon Gabriel, suffered a blow when Sammy was forced from the field for treatment on what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Sammy returned but has not bowled again in the innings. Reuters ------------ ZEENEWS.com