[www.inewsguyana.com] – Shivnarine Chanderpaul became the seventh player to pass 11,000 runs in test cricket as West Indies face an uphill struggle to avoid defeat against New Zealand on day three of their first test match here at the University Oval on Thursday.
The veteran left-hander hit the top score of 76 to join the esteemed company of the recently-retired Sachin Tendulkar of India, Ricky Ponting of Australia, Rahul Dravid of India, South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, former teammate Brian Lara and Australian legend Allan Border.
However, his half century was the highlight of a West Indies first innings batting collapse in which they were dismissed for 213 after resuming from an overnight 67 for two.
Forced to follow on; the Caribbean side batted with more purpose in their second innings to reach 168 for two at stumps.
Trent Boult struck early when he had Kieran Powell caught at second slip by Tim Southee to leave the West Indies 18 for one.
But Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo steadied the innings, putting on 117 for the second wicket before the leg spin of Ish Sodhi trapped Edwards in front after a well crafted 59.
At stumps Bravo, who had taken the attack to the Black Caps, was not out 72 with Marlon Samuels on 17.
Earlier, Kiwi paceman Tim Southee picked up four for 52 to trigger the West Indian batting collapse that saw them concede a huge first innings lead of 396 runs.
Six of the top seven in the batting order were caught behind the stumps, with Chanderpaul the sole exception.
The 39 – year – old who was dropped at slips on 70 held the West Indies first innings together as he worked his way to 76 before being trapped lbw by Boult without offering a shot.
Although he challenged the dismissal, video replays showed the ball would have clipped the top of the bails.
It was Chanderpaul’s 62nd Test half century while Bravo’s first innings cameo produced 40 and Darren Sammy not out 27.
West Indies, with eight second innings wicket in hand and two days of play remaining, are seeking to avoid a third innings defeat after being subjected to back-to-back innings defeats by India.
