Williamson unbeaten as lead hits 300

Cricket365
June 30, 2014

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.