McCullum leads New Zealand fightback

SYDNEY, Mar 11 (Reuters) Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum scored a defiant half-century to lead a New Zealand fightback in the opening test against West Indies in Auckland today.

McCullum made an unbeaten 52 to help the Kiwis recover from 146 for seven to reach 242 for eight in their second innings at tea on the third day.

That left New Zealand with an overall lead of 260 runs and the match evenly poised but heading for an early finish on the temporary drop-in pitch at Eden Park.

McCullum struck five boundaries and pulled Fidel Edwards over the rope for six to register his sixth test fifty off 97 balls.

He shared a 64-run partnership with spinner Daniel Vettori, who made an invaluable 33, after the Kiwis lost three early wickets before lunch.

Skipper Stephen Fleming was also dismissed for 33, nightwatchman James Franklin made 20 and injured batsman Nathan Astle scored 13.

Fast bowler Ian Bradshaw trapped Fleming lbw for 33 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 and 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 PM SP0927