Debutant Hay Shines with Fifty as New Zealand Dominates West Indies in 2nd Test

Mitch Hay, the wicketkeeper-batter, made a strong impact with a brisk half-century on his Test debut, propelling New Zealand to a 41-run advantage over the West Indies by the end of Day Two in the second Test match in Wellington on Thursday.

New Zealand was bowled out for 278 with about an hour remaining in the final session, after the West Indies posted a score of 205 at the Basin Reserve. At stumps, the West Indies reached 32 for two in their second innings, with Brandon King on 15 and Kavem Hodge on three at the crease. Michael Rae and Jacob Duffy claimed one wicket each as New Zealand navigated through 10 overs in the diminishing light.

Hay displayed great composure in his first Test innings, scoring 61 off 93 balls and hitting nine fours and a six. Anderson Phillip stood out among the West Indies bowlers, taking three wickets for 70 runs in 13 overs, while Kemar Roach secured figures of two for 43.

The 25-year-old Hay took the crease when New Zealand was at 117 for four, following the quick dismissals of Rachin Ravindra (5) and Devon Conway (60) in consecutive overs just after lunch. Adjusting swiftly to the Test format, Hay looked comfortable on the Basin Reserve wicket.

He partnered with Daryl Mitchell to add 73 runs for the fifth wicket, playing the dominant role while Mitchell settled into an anchor role. Mitchell was dismissed for 25 just before tea. Hay’s innings came to an end when he hooked a ball to Roach in the deep. Zak Foulkes contributed an unbeaten 23 but found no support from the tailenders.

Earlier, Conway played fluently for his 60 off 108 deliveries before edging a catch down the leg side to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach shortly after lunch. Conway, along with Kane Williamson, who was dismissed for 37 near the end of the morning session, helped stabilize New Zealand’s innings after captain Tom Latham was bowled by Roach for 11.

New Zealand began the day at 24 without loss, and Williamson, coming in at 36 for one, capitalized on some inconsistent bowling, striking seven fours in his 46-ball innings. Conway was given a reprieve when dropped by Shai Hope at leg slip on 28. He capitalized on the opportunity and shared a 67-run partnership for the second wicket before Phillip bowled Williamson with a superb delivery that clipped the top of the off stump.

Seamer Blair Tickner, who delivered his career-best figures of four for 32 on Tuesday, dislocated his shoulder on day one and will not bowl or field for the remainder of the match. Taken to the hospital following the injury while fielding, Tickner will only bat if deemed necessary.

The first Test of the series concluded in a draw.

Published on Dec 11, 2025