1st Test: Hope's century keeps WI's chances alive vs NZ
What's the story
The fourth day of the ongoing Test series opener between New Zealand and West Indies was an enticing one. The Kiwis declared their second innings at a mammoth 466/8, setting West Indies a daunting target of 531 runs. At the end of Day 4, the visitors were struggling at 212/4, still trailing by a massive 319 runs. However, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves's strong partnership kept things interesting as we head into the final day.
Bowling brilliance
Kemar Roach shines with the ball
Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, putting up a brilliant bowling performance and claiming five wickets. His effort was one of the few highlights for the West Indies on a tough day. New Zealand started Day 4 at 417/4, looking to build on their strong third-day partnership between centurions Rachin Ravindra (176) and Tom Latham (145). Cameos from Will Young (23) and Michael Bracewell (24) powered NZ to 466/8 declared.
Batting woes
West Indies's top order falters again
The Windies's top order struggled yet again, having been reduced to 72/4. Hope then played a solid hand, scoring his fourth Test century, while Greaves lent support to steady the innings. Despite the target being out of reach, these two in-form batsmen give West Indies a glimmer of hope to avoid defeat on Day 5, with their primary aim being survival. While Hope made 116* off 183 balls on the day, Greaves returned on 55* (143 balls).
Roach
12th Test fifer for Roach
Roach took three wickets on Day 4 to finish with figures of 5/78 from 22 overs. With this latest spell, Roach has raced to 291 wickets from 86 Tests at a fine average of 26.98. This includes 14 four-wicket hauls and 12 fifers. 43 of Roach's scalps have come in nine Tests against NZ at 22.72 (5W: 2). In away Tests, he has completed 95 wickets at 36.27.
Hope
Third successive score of 50 or more for Hope
Hope scored a fighting 103 in the third innings of his preceding Test outing - the Delhi Test against India in October. He further made a 107-ball 56 in the first innings of the ongoing game. Hence, this was his third successive score of 50 or more. Notably, his last Test hundred before the Delhi game came against England back in 2017.
Career
Here are his Test numbers
Hope, who made his Test debut in 2015, has gone past 2,100 runs at an average of 27-plus in 44 games. He has hit four centuries and six fifties with a best score of 147. Against New Zealand, Hope has scored over 200 runs in three Tests at an average of over 46.
Bowlers
How did the Kiwi bowlers fare?
Jacob Duffy, who claimed a fifer in the game's second innings, trapped both openers. He finished Day 4 with 2/65 from 19 overs. Michael Bracewell (1/54) and Matt Henry (1/29) were the other NZ bowlers with wickets on the day. Zakary Foulkes and Rachin Ravindra went wicket-less.