Honours shared as Guptill misses century

Martin Guptill has fallen agonisingly short of a third Test century as honours were shared on the first day of the first cricket Test against the West Indies in Antigua.

Opener Guptill skied a leg-side shot on 97 to end a disciplined knock 20 minutes before stumps as the Black Caps ended day one at 232-4.

After winning the toss, New Zealand forged a position of dominance at 2-223 but the late departure of captain Ross Taylor for 45 and Guptill levelled proceedings as the pitch began to turn in the third session.

That suited offspinner Sunil Narine, who took 3-73 in just his second test. Included was the scalp of Guptill, who would have raised three figures if successful with his slog-sweep. An otherwise disciplined innings lasted 249 balls and comprised one six and 14 fours.

Taylor was bowled by Narine, ending a 90-run third-wicket stand.

Both earlier wickets fell in the second session. Daniel Flynn departed for 45, spooning a catch to point to end an opening stand of 97, while Brendon McCullum was caught at mid off for a more aggressive 25.

At the crease at stumps were Kane Williamson on two and nightwatchman Neil Wagner on four in his Test debut.

New Zealand, looking to bounce back from series losses in the preceding Twenty20 and one-day international series, omitted pace bowler Tim Southee and legspinner Tarun Nethula, while BJ Watling and Trent Boult also missed out through injury.

The West Indies welcomed back fast bowler Kemar Roach and veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

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