New Zealand-West Indies Test Series 2020 
1st Test Played at Sheldon Park, Hamilton 
Brief Score Card at Stumps On Day Three 
New Zealand 519/7 declared (KS Williamson, TWM Latham 86, KA Jameison 51*, LPRL Taylor 38, ST Gabriel 3/89. KAJ Roach 3/114),
West Indies: 1st Innings 138 All Out in 64 Overs.  (JD Campbell 26, JO Holder 25, J Blackwood 23, KC Brathwaite 21, TG Southee 4/35, KA Jamieson 2/25, N. Wagnar 2/ 33, TA Boult 1/ 35,) 
Follow On Innings 196/6 in 42 Overs (J Blackwood 80*, A S Josef 59*, N Wagnar 2/62, KA Jamieson 1/33, T G Southee 1/40, TA Boult 1/47) 

After chasing the leather for almost two days in relatively good batting friendly condition when in response to mammoth New Zealand Score of 519/7 West Indies openers were not looking much in trouble scoring 49/0 at stumps of day two. But third morning was typical New Zealand swinging condition of cloud cover and strong wind. World Cricket knows Southee, Boult and Wagnar are among the best of the business in such condition. Add to add KA Jamieson. West Indies top order collapsed from 0/49 overnight to 5/79 in no time. Holder and Blackwood tried to resurrect. But Kiwi pacers probing all the time wrapped up the innings at paltry 138.  Southee taking 4/35 was the main wrecker.

Williamson imposed the follow on staying 381 runs ahead. Condition did not change much. But West Indies strategy changed. They opted to counter attack.  But trying that they were soon reduced to 5/53 by the 15th over. The wicket of Jason Holder made it 6/89. At this point pace bowler Azari Josef joined Blackwood. From do or die situation this pair batting bravely remained unbeaten till stumps adding 107 runs for the unfinished 7th wicket partnership. West Indies is still trailing by 185 runs with only 4 wickets and actually after this 9,10 and jack left. Blackwood batted exceptionally well remaining not out scoring 80, Josef is with him on 59. However, the condition was far better in the afternoon. They have to go a long way yet to salvage some confidence for the team. 

If the condition appears the same next morning as it was today even the best of Blackwood and Josef may not be enough rescuing West Indies from a huge defeat. The current West Indies batsmen just do not have the technique or temperament for batting against world class swing bowlers in testing conditions.  By saying that I do not mean other teams have that. Only few exceptional batsmen of some teams can manage it though. 

West Indies will be in Bangladesh for a complete cricket tour (test, ODI and T20 Series) from January 10, 2020. Bangladesh will meet New Zealand twice in 2020. Bangladesh must follow this series intensively and formulate strategies. 

BDST: 1345 HRS, DEC 05, 2020
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