Williamson unbeaten as lead hits 300

New Zealand reached stumps on 331 for seven on day four of the third Test in Barbados, with the West Indies removing four wickets on the day but unable to dislodge Kane Williamson.
New Zealand reached stumps on 331 for seven on day four of the third Test in Barbados, with the West Indies removing four wickets on the day but unable to dislodge Kane Williamson.
The young batsman recorded his seventh Test century, and reached 161 at the close, when rain arrived to shorten the day. The Black Caps thus held a lead of 307 runs, having started the day with a 99-run advantage.
Williamson was on 58 when the day began, half an hour early due to previous rains, while skipper Brendon McCullum was on 23. They were three down, and looking for a lead of at least 250 runs.
McCullum didn't last long in the morning, adding just two runs to his score before being trapped LBW by Kemar Roach. Jimmy Neesham then joined Williamson, and they batted at a good rate for the all-rounder to get a half ton.
Neesham scored 51 off 67 balls, including four sixes, before Jason Holder claimed his wicket. The score at this stage had advanced to 226 and it wasn't lunch yet, promising a hefty score.
Once Neesham departed, BJ Watling added 29 alongside Williamson, who had recorded his ton off 173 balls earlier on. His next 50 runs came at a slightly slower pace, as Watling and Tim Southee were removed.
When the rain arrived before tea, and then again afterwards to stop play, Mark Craig was the man batting with Williamson, and he had four runs. With a lead over 300, it remained to be seen if an overnight declaration would arrive.
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.