Batsman Ross Taylor struck a superb double century as New Zealand assumed command on day four of the second Test against Bangladesh at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday.

Taylor top-scored with exactly 200 in a final total of 432 for six – and was well complemented by the talented Henry Nicholls’ 107.

The right-handed Taylor spent 321 minutes at the crease and faced 212 deliveries, gathering 19 fours and a quartet of towering sixes.

Monday’s double ton was the third in the veteran Taylor’s Test career, after 2013’s 217 not out against the West Indies in Dunedin – and 2015’s 290 against Australia in Perth.

Two quick wickets from fast bowler Trent Boult later reduced the visitors to 80 for three and a 141-run deficit. The Tigers had been dismissed for 211 in the first innings during this rain-affected fixture.

Boult capitalised on a relatively green pitch. His dismissal of opener Tamim Iqbal, who managed a threatening half-century in the first innings, was particularly key in the second.

Middle-order duo Mohammad Mithun and Soumya Sarkar will resume on Tuesday, unbeaten on 25 and 12 respectively.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is in doubt for the third and final Test in Christchurch later this week, after sustaining a shoulder injury in Wellington. A decision on Williamson’ participation will be made later this week.

Photo: Gallo