Devon Conway's Stellar Double Century Leads New Zealand in Third Test Against West Indies
Conway's Remarkable Performance
Devon Conway achieved his second Test double century, more than four years after his initial one, propelling New Zealand to declare at 575 for 8 on Friday, during the second day of the third Test against the West Indies.
Despite facing New Zealand's formidable total and challenging late-afternoon conditions, West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King managed to reach 110 runs without losing a wicket in 23 overs by the end of the day.
New Zealand currently leads the three-match series 1-0, having drawn the first Test and secured a nine-wicket victory in the second.
King reached his half-century in just 63 balls, finishing the day unbeaten on 55, while Campbell remained not out at 45 after the duo formed a century partnership in just 116 balls.
Conway's Innings and Partnerships
After reaching the 200-run mark, Conway continued to build on his innings, ultimately scoring 227 runs over nearly eight-and-a-half hours. His debut Test innings against England at Lord’s in June 2021 saw him score exactly 200.
Conway's impressive 227 came off 367 deliveries and included 31 boundaries, featuring a dominant 323-run opening partnership with Tom Latham, who contributed 145 runs on the first day.
Ravindra's Contribution and West Indies' Bowling Struggles
Rachin Ravindra also made a significant contribution, scoring 72 not out when New Zealand declared shortly before 5 p.m., with around 90 minutes left in the day. He hit six fours and two sixes, forming an unbroken 39-run partnership with Ajaz Patel, who finished on 30 not out.
Ravindra commented on the West Indies' batting performance, stating, "We would have liked a wicket at the end, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. They both batted well, King and Campbell, and showed the ability to punish when we missed. Hopefully, the pitch wears a little from now on and offers something to the spinners."
Challenges for the West Indies
The West Indies had to bowl 155 overs, including 65 on the second day, without their leading bowler Kemar Roach, who was out due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Shai Hope was absent due to an unspecified illness.
New Zealand resumed play at 334 for 1, with Conway on 178. He hit a four off the first ball of the morning and reached his double century in 437 minutes from 316 balls.
Despite being short-handed, the West Indies bowlers showed improvement on the second day compared to the first, consistently taking wickets and forcing edges, with wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach making four catches.
Bowling Performance and Final Session
Nightwatchman Jacob Duffy was the first wicket to fall, caught behind for 17 after adding to his overnight score of 9 with two boundaries. Kane Williamson was dismissed for 31 from 60 balls before lunch.
Justin Greaves stood out among the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 83 from 29 overs.
New Zealand lost Daryl Mitchell (11) and Tom Blundell (4) between lunch and tea, along with Glen Phillips (29) in the final session, as the scoring rate slowed until Ravindra accelerated the innings as the declaration approached.
After declaring, the Black Caps aimed to take wickets before stumps but struggled with their bowling, allowing the West Indies to score freely. Zak Foulkes conceded 39 runs in just six overs before the day's end.