Windies stare down the barrel

KIRK Edwards and Darren Bravo scored half centuries as West Indies battled to save the first Test against New Zealand but were still 228 runs from making the hosts bat again at the close of play on the third day in Dunedin on Thursday. Bravo was on 72 while Marlon Samuels was on 17 after Edwards was trapped in front by legspinner Ish Sodhi for 59 about 45 minutes before the end of play.

The visitors were 168 for two at the close but still facing a big defeat after New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum had enforced the follow on before tea when they dismissed West Indies for 213. New Zealand,who made 609-9 declared in their innings,have not won a test in more than a year,having drawn five and lost four of their matches since McCullum took over the captaincy in late 2012.

Trent Boult had plunged the visitors into the mire before tea when he captured the wicket of Kieran Powell,well caught by pace bowler Tim Southee at third slip for 14,before Bravo and Edwards combined for a 117-run partnership.

The visitors resumed after lunch on 159 for 5 and then Boult produced a fiery spell to capture wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for 12 and then Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 76 in his next over.

Brief scores: New Zealand: 609/9 vs West Indies: 213 amp; 168/2 D Bravo 72 not out,K Edwards 59; Boult 1/26,Sodhi 1/51.