Brilliant Bravo saves Windies' blushes

New Zealand

West Indies batsman Darren Bravo was the hero of day four in Dunedin, as his unbeaten double century saved the visitors from an innings defeat in the first Test against New Zealand.

West Indies batsman Darren Bravo was the hero of day four in Dunedin, as his unbeaten double century saved the visitors from an innings defeat in the first Test against New Zealand.

Bravo was on 210 not out, his maiden Test double century, as the West Indies reached 443 for six while following on. This gave them a lead of 47 runs, a massive achievement considering their earlier position.

The Windies started the day on 168 for two and trailing by 228 runs, seriously looking at risk of an innings defeat. Bravo was on 72 overnight and Marlon Samuels on 17, after being bowled out for 213 in their first innings.

Samuels was unable to add much to the score, finding himself caught and bowled by Tim Southee for 23 soon after the restart, but Bravo stood firm against the fast bowlers and was soon helped by Narsingh Deonarine.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was out for one, leaving Deonarine to add a century partnership with Bravo. They made 122 runs together, with Deonarine scoring 52 of those before being caught by BJ Watling off Corey Anderson.

During all this, Bravo reached his 150 off 304 balls, and then advanced to his double ton just before stumps. He made that off 390 balls, including 28 fours. At the other end stood Darren Sammy, who was on 44.

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