Fleming, Fulton put NZ in command v Windies

WELLINGTON, Mar 18 (Reuters) New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and Peter Fulton combined in a 165-run partnership to put their side firmly in control of the second test against West Indies after the second day's play today.

New Zealand were 335 for seven at the close, a lead of 143 runs after they bowled the visitors out for 192 early in the first session at the Basin Reserve.

Fleming was caught on the backward point boundary by Dwayne Bravo for 97 after flicking at a short wide delivery from Fidel Edwards, missing out on a ninth test century, while Fulton, playing just his second test, made 75.

Nathan Astle was 65 not out at the close, after combining with Daniel Vettori (42) in a 86-run partnership. James Franklin was unbeaten on two.

Daren Powell had ripped through New Zealand's middle order immediately after tea, dismissing Fulton on the first delivery then having Scott Styris (eight) caught by Runako Morton at second slip and Brendon McCullum caught by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin for 23 to give his side hope of restricting the lead.

Astle and Vettori, however, refused to be shackled on a good pitch and in ideal batting conditions to ensure their side held a healthy lead heading into the third day.

''We may have been a bit too agressive but once again we have found ourselves in a position of strength,'' Fleming said in a televised interview. ''A 140-run lead, and if we put another 60 on, a 200-run lead is very handy and a good position to be.'' ATTACKING PARTNERSHIP Fleming and Fulton dominated the day after they came together when New Zealand had slumped to three for two when opening batsmen Hamish Marshall (three) and Jamie How (0) were dismissed off successive balls.

Fleming attacked from the outset, while Fulton was more circumspect, and after heading into lunch at 90 for two, the pair flayed the dispirited West Indies attack in the middle session.

The New Zealand captain, who was dropped on 81, raced through to the 90s before he played an unnecessary shot to a poor delivery and was comfortably caught on the boundary.

It was his 41st test half century and the sixth time he has been dismissed in the 90s.

''I decided that after I had stuttered my way through 70s, 80s, 90s just to be positive. Live by the sword die by the sword,'' added Fleming.

''It was disappointing to get out and a bit unexpected but by being positive you get lucky and I certainly had a bit of that.'' Fulton, who passed 50 for the first time, failed to add to his tea score when he edged a catch to Ramdin off Powell, prompting the mini-collapse.

Powell's seven over spell after tea returned three for 35 before Astle and Vettori combined.

REUTERS PM SP1110