Williamson scores 3rd Test double century as NZ put pressure on Windies

Hamilton: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson looked dominant on the day of the first Test against West Indies as he posted a career-best 251 at Seddon Park on Friday.

Williamson’s 22nd test century, and third double ton, made up almost half of New Zealand’s first innings total of 519 for seven. The host declared before the tourists reached 49 without loss in reply.

John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite were on 22 and 20 not out respectively at the close of play.

Williamson had started the day’s play on 97 after he and Tom Latham (86) put on 154 runs for the second wicket on the first day after Jason Holder had won the toss and asked the hosts to bat on a green pitch.

Williamson lost overnight partner Ross Taylor (38) in the second over but reached his century with a beautiful punch through covers off Kemar Roach in the following over.

He then dominated the middle-order partnerships with Henry Nicholls (seven), Tom Blundell (14) and Daryl Mitchell (nine) and brought up his double ton with one more elegant cover drive, again off Roach’s bowling.

Williamson partnered with Kylie Jamieson and both posted a 94-run stand. Williamson reached his 250 after hitting Alzarri Joseph for a four and six. Williamson was caught at deep midwicket attempting to clear the rope again. In his 412-ball inning, he smashed two sixes and 34 boundaries.

Jamieson reached his first half-century, showing signs of becoming a potential all-rounder. New Zealand declared soon Jamieson scored his fifty. For West Indies, Roach and Shannon Gabriel picked three each while Joesph picked one.