Kane Williamson struck an unbeaten 97 on the opening day of the first Test match as New Zealand got off to strong start with the bat against the West Indies in Hamilton.
West Indies skipper Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bowl first on a very green pitch, expecting it would offer his bowlers something to work with after some early morning drizzle around the ground.
It was a decision that paid dividends early on as opening bowler Shannon Gabriel made the breakthrough by trapping debutant Will Young in front for only five.
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Williamson joined Tom Latham in the middle and the pair consolidated for the early wicket by taking the attack to the West Indies instead of defending all the time.
Both players went on to surpass their respective half-centuries for a magnificent 154-run stand before Latham was knocked over by Kemar Roach for 86.
The captain was joined by the experienced Ross Taylor out in the middle and the two batsmen took New Zealand to stumps with the score on 243-2, Williamson eyeing what would be another impressive century.
Taylor will start the second day unbeaten on 31.
