Williamson wants the inevitable delayed

New Zealand

Batsman Kane Williamson remained hopeful despite New Zealand's precarious position at the conclusion of day four of the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

Batsman Kane Williamson remained hopeful despite New Zealand's precarious position at the conclusion of day four of the second Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

The Black Caps slipped to a mere 257 for eight – and a slender lead of 18 -on Thursday. Williamson top-scored with a patient 52, before wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling and tail-ender Mark Craig forced the fixture into a fifth day.

"Obviously, there are some performances that, when we look back on, we are not entirely happy with but to bat a day like we did today, with BJ and Mark at the end, was fantastic. For BJ to bat four and a bit hours, was a huge effort in these conditions," said Williamson.

"We would have liked some big scores and sort of made the second innings our first innings but that wasn't to be. Hopefully, the two boys out there can kick on a bit and they can either set up an awkward chase or bat on a bit longer and put us in a good position."

The departure in-form Tom Latham, who was removed by plenty of turn and bounce generated by spinner Sulieman Benn, characterised a Queen's Park Oval pitch conducive to competitive cricket.

"The wicket was still good. Tom's delivery was just one of those ones you can't do much about. There is a bit of rough there for the spin. It is still a good pitch and hopefully the boys can keep going," concluded Williamson.

latest-news New Zealand

Latest