Williamson’s best plummets West Indies on day two

The West Indies bowlers were once again put under the cosh by a resolute Kane Williamson who smashed his highest test score of 251 as the host New Zealand posted a mammoth 519 for seven declared on day two of the first of two Tests in Hamilton.

The Kiwi skipper played one of the most magnificent innings ever witnessed in international cricket, as the New Zealanders capitalized on some indifferent bowling from the regional side who toiled for a second straight day at Seddon Park.

The New Zealanders, who resumed on 243 for two, lost two wickets in the morning session as overnight batsman Ross Taylor was caught behind off stand-in wicket-keeper Shamarh Brooks off Shanon Gabriel for 38 while Kemar Roach accounted for Henry Nicholls for seven at 281 for four.

Shane Dowrich had earlier picked up a hand injury on day one while Darren Bravo also left the field with an injury.

In the meantime, Williamson at the other end was poised and discipline in his innings, as he added valuable runs in half-century partnerships with Tom Blundell who made 14 and Daryl Mitchell who contributed only nine runs to take the Kiwis to 409 for six.

When the tea break came about, the New Zealanders were 477 for six, with Williamson in his element scoring 236 runs while Kyle Jamieson was getting into the grove on 35.

The pair added 94 runs before Williamson finally held out to Roston Chase off Alzarri Joseph for a mammoth 251 which came off 412 balls and included 34 fours and two sixes.

It was Williamson's second double hundred in Hamilton and his third overall.

Jamieson would go on to get his maiden test fifty as he was left unbeaten on 51 and Tim Southee on 11 as the host declared on 519 for seven.

The West Indies were 17 without loss at press time.