New Zealand strike early against West Indies

WELLINGTON, Mar 17 (Reuters) New Zealand overcame the late withdrawal of fast bowler Shane Bond to rip through the West Indian top order in the opening session of the second test at the Basin Reserve today.

After making a bright start, the West Indies slumped to 80 for four at lunch, leaving Runako Morton unbeaten on 22 and the new batsman yet to arrive at the crease.

Daren Ganga and Chris Gayle put on 45 for the opening partnership before New Zealand struck back to claim three wickets for just six runs.

Gayle and Ganga were caught by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.

Gayle went for 30 when James Franklin found the edge and Ganga fell for 15 in the next over when he flicked Kyle Mills down the legside and McCullum held a diving catch.

World record holder Brian Lara managed just one before he nicked a catch off Franklin to Stephen Fleming at first slip as the visitors slumped to 49 for three.

Morton and Shivnarine Chanderpaul briefly steadied the innings with a 35-run stand for the fourth wicket until the skipper was trapped lbw by Chris Martin off the last ball before the interval.

New Zealand, 1-0 up in the three-match series after winning in Auckland, suffered a blow before the toss when Bond withdrew with a mystery virus.

REUTERS SK RAI0631