Cricket-New Zealand batting slumps against West Indies

SYDNEY, Mar 11 (Reuters) New Zealand slumped to 161 for seven in their second innings, leading by 179 runs overall, in the opening test against West Indies in Auckland today.

The home side started the third day at Eden Park already in bother at 98-4 but lost three wickets in the morning session to limp to lunch in real trouble at 161-7.

Skipper Stephen Fleming was dismissed for 33, nightwatchman James Franklin made 20 and injured batsman Nathan Astle scored 13 leaving spin bowler Daniel Vettori (10) and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum (7) to continue the fight after lunch.

Fast bowler Ian Bradshaw trapped Fleming lbw with the total on 118 to capture his sixth wicket of the match when the New Zealand skipper didn't offer a shot to a ball that darted back in on him.

Franklin was bowled by spinner Chris Gayle when the left-hander missed an attempted pull shot then Astle, who missed the entire second day's play after being struck in the head while batting in the first innings, was run out by a direct hit from Daren Ganga.

Reuters PG VP0610