Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson credits bowlers in Test win over West Indies

  • 04/12/2017

Blackcaps captain Kane Williamson has hailed the work of his bowlers to adjust to an unusual Basin Reserve wicket.

New Zealand stormed to victory in the first Test in Wellington, winning by an innings and 67 runs midway through the fourth day.

They were forced into short-pitched bowling with little sideways movement during the Test.

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Speaking to reporters after the match, Williams praised his paceman who took five wickets in the space of an hour after the lunch break.

"I thought in the first innings we were very fortunate, as well as exploiting the bounce in the surface," Williamson said.

"I think a lot of the dismissals weren't a regular thing you see on the first day of a Test match… Perhaps we were fortunate, but we executed our plans well when we had to adjust."  

"In the second innings, the wicket became flatter and we knew it was going to be a tough job to bowl them out and it was.

"It was a great effort with the ball in hand."

Tom Blundell scored a 107* on his Test debut.
Tom Blundell scored a 107* on his Test debut. Photo credit: Getty Images

The Blackcaps now turn their attention to the second and final Test which gets underway on Saturday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Williamson said they will confirm the squad for Saturday's Test on Tuesday, which could see the return of BJ Watling.

The Wicketkeeper missed the first Test with a hip injury but after featuring for Wellington on the weekend, there is a chance he could feature in Hamilton.

The 32-year-old would replace Tom Blundell, who scored a century on his debut in the first Test.

Williamson is remaining tight-lipped on who will don the gloves in the second Test. 

"BJ's been a world class player for us for a number of years," he said.

"[He's] obviously battling with a few niggles at the moment, but we're always monitoring his progress with how his body's coming along."

Newshub.