Half-centuries from Daniel Flynn and Jesse Ryder helped New Zealand to a solid 226 for four when bad light ended play on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies in Dunedin.

Flynn, batting at number three for the first time in his eight-Test career, fell just five runs short of a maiden Test century when he was adjudged trapped leg before wicket but only after a confident West Indies captain Chris Gayle challenged the original decision of Indian umpire Amish Saheba under the review system being trialled.

Television umpire Rudi Koertzen decided the ball would have hit the wicket and a disconsolate Flynn trudged from the University Oval on 95 as Gayle claimed his third wicket to leave the Black Caps on 189 for four shortly after tea.

It was the last wicket to fall as Ryder and Brendon McCullum combined to put on another 37 runs with Ryder bringing up his second Test half-century, ending the day unbeaten on 54, and McCullum four not out when the batsman were offered the light.

It was a timely knock by Flynn, who easily surpassed his previous best score of 49. He brought up his first Test fifty, which included six boundaries, with a single off Gayle in the third over after the lunch break and by the time he walked off just after tea he had added a further six fours in his 187-ball innings.

More importantly he and debutant Tim McIntosh showed plenty of grit and stickability, something demanded by new coach Andy Moles and which had been lacking in the Black Caps top order in previous innings.

The day did not start well for the hosts though, who were forced to bring in bowler Kyle Mills when all-rounder Jacob Oram withdrew with a calf strain prior to the start of play.

While captain Daniel Vettori won the toss and chose to bat in cool but sunny conditions, Flynn and McIntosh were forced to rebuild the innings after Jamie How departed for a run-a-ball 10 when he was caught by Shivnarine Chanderpaul at point off Daren Powell in the sixth over.

While McIntosh took around 45 minutes and 38 balls to get off the mark in what was a torrid introduction to international cricket, Flynn was quickly into his work and by lunch was just two shy of his maiden Test fifty as New Zealand reached 88 for one.

The 87-run partnership was finally broken when McIntosh fell for 34 playing a rash shot over the top to give Lionel Baker, on debut, a comfortable catch and Gayle his first scalp.

The openers departure brought Ross Taylor to the crease but his stay lasted less than 10 overs as he threw his wicket away when he skied a ball to Xavier Marshall to become the West Indies skippers third victim, leaving the Black Caps 128 for three.

But Ryder and Flynn steadied the ship again and by tea New Zealand were 180 for three with Flynn in the 90s and Ryder on 22.

After Flynn's dismissal, Ryder took charge bringing up his second Test half-century with a sweetly timed four, his 52 including seven boundaries and coming in just 87 balls.

It was tough day for the West Indies bowlers with Fidel Edwards particularly expensive going for 46 runs in his 11 overs without taking a wicket.

Skipper Gayle was by far the best with three wickets for 42 off 20, while Powell chipped in with one for 33 off 13.2, including five maidens, and Baker struggled towards the end of the day as his figures blew out to none for 61 off 17.