NZ occupy driver146;s seat

Only Chris Gayle showed the determination required to turn the Test into an even contest, after New Zealand were all out in their first innings early in the day for 372 in reply to the West Indies 192.

But even Gayle succumbed to a lack of concentration in the second to last over before tea, when he attempted to sweep Daniel Vettori out of the ground but was instead trapped plumb in front to be dismissed for 68.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was dropped by Stephen Fleming at first slip when on five, was unbeaten on 13, with Dwayne Bravo on two when play was halted because of bad light three overs after tea.

Daren Ganga was the first wicket to fall after posting a 50-run opening stand with Gayle, when he slashed at a wide delivery from Chris Martin and was caught by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.

Martin was the most threatening of the New Zealand bowlers, with far more certainty about his line and length than in the first innings, and was the unfortunate victim when Chanderpaul was dropped.

Brief scores

West Indies: 192 and 118/4 Gayle 68, Ganga 23, Chanderpaul batting 13 vs New Zealand: 372 Fulton 75, Fleming 97, Astle 65, Vettori 42; Edwards 5/65, Powell 4/83.