The New Zealand opener Martin Guptill fell three runs short of his third test century as the Black Caps closed the first day of the first cricket test against the West Indies on 232 for four in Antigua.
Guptill was at the crease for almost the entire day and his 249 ball innings was the backbone of a solid opening day for the tourists after they won the toss.
Guptill and Daniel Flynn put on 97 for the opening wicket and the homeside was struggling until they picked up the 2 late wickets of Ross Taylor for 45 and Guptill for 97.
Windies off-spinner Sunil Narine, playing in his first test in the Caribbean, picked up 3 for 73.
Guptill, with the prospect of ending the day unbeaten and with a century to his name, had a rush of blood as he top edged a delivery from Narine to be caught at mid-on.
New Zealand will now have to consolidate tomorrow morning rather than motor towards an imposing total but it was nonetheless a day when their top order showed they could handle themselves in Caribbean conditions.
