Conway’s half century lifts New Zealand to 112-2 on Day 2 of 2nd test against West Indies

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Devon Conway reached a half century in a 67-run partnership with Kane Williamson which carried New Zealand to 112-2 at lunch Thursday on the second day of the second test against West Indies.

Kemar Roach made an early breakthrough, dismissing Tom Latham (11) in the fifth over of the day and Williamson (37) fell to close to lunch to a peach of a ball from Anderson Phillip which pitched on middle and straightened past the outside edge to hit off stump.

Conway was 55 not out at the break and Rachin Ravindra was 5 as New Zealand added 88 runs in the morning session on a pitch still assisting fast bowlers.

New Zealand resumed at 24 without loss in reply to the West Indies’ first innings of 205.

Latham fell to a superb ball from Roach which cut back from a length, through the batter’s defensive prod to hit off stump.

Conway was dropped at leg gully by Brandon King from the bowling of Jayden Seales when he was 29 and Williamson offered a hard return catch to Phillip when he was on 22.

The West Indies bowlers tested Conway, first by bowling around the wicket into his pads and later over the wicket and across him toward slips.

The pitch at the Basin Reserve hardened since the first day and offered pace, bounce and sharp movement from a good length.

Ravindra, who made 171 in the second innings of the drawn first test, got off the mark just before lunch with a dangerous slice between slips and gully.

Fast bowler Blair Tickner rejoined the New Zealand team after dislocating his left shoulder in a fielding accident on the first day, after he had taken 4-32.

In a statement, the New Zealand team said Tickner will not bowl or field again in the match and will only bat if absolutely necessary.

The teams played to a draw in the series opener at Christchurch. The third and final test begins Dec. 18 at Bay Oval at Mount Maunganui.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket