NZ vs WI 1st Test- New Zealand 231/9 on Day-1:Williamson hits half-century on comeback, Bracewell-Smith’s partnership aids them past 200

The first match of the three-match Test series between New Zealand and West Indies started on Tuesday in Christchurch. By the end of the first day’s play, New Zealand had scored 231 runs for 9 wickets. At stumps, Jack Fox was unbeaten on 4 and Jacob Duffy on 4 runs. Due to rain, only 70 overs of play were possible on the first day. Former captain Kane Williamson, who returned to Test cricket for New Zealand after a year, played a brilliant innings of 52 runs. From West Indies, Kemar Roach, Ojay Shields and Justin Greaves took 2 wickets each. 93-run partnership between Latham and Williamson After losing the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand did not get off to a good start. The team suffered its first blow at a total score of 1 run, with Devon Conway getting out without scoring. After this, captain Tom Latham and Williamson steadied the team with an important 93-run partnership for the second wicket. Williamson scored 52 runs off 102 balls, while Latham was out after scoring 24 runs. Bracewell-Smith’s crucial 52-run partnership After the collapse of the top order, Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith added 52 runs for the seventh wicket, taking the team to a respectable total. Bracewell scored 47 runs off 73 balls and Smith made 23 runs off 61 balls. Additionally, Will Young contributed 14 runs and Tom Blundell added 29 runs. Ojay Shields makes Test debut From West Indies, fast bowler Ojay Shields made his debut in Test cricket. Captain Roston Chase used all the bowlers, and all of them found success. Roach, Shields, and Greaves took 2 wickets each, while Jayden Seales, Johann Layne, and Roston Chase got 1 wicket each. New Zealand’s Playing XI: Tom Latham (Captain), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Jack Fox, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy West Indies’ Playing XI: John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (Captain), Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (Wicketkeeper), Johann Layne, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields