23 Dec 2008

Black Caps need quick break through

6:00 am on 23 December 2008

The New Zealand cricketers need three quick wickets and one more dry day in Napier if they're to have a chance of beating the West Indies, who'll start the final day of the second test on 278 for seven leading by 214.

The West Indies captain Chris Gayle has given his side a good chance with an unbeaten 146, his first test hundred since his 317 against South Africa in Antigua three years ago.

Gayle and Brendan Nash took the tourists from a shaky 106 for four to 230 for five but once James Franklin removed Nash for 65 the West Indies slumped again.

The McLean Park pitch still looks good, though, and if the tailenders can stay with Gayle for most of the morning and add another 40 or 50 runs the West Indies also have a chance of winning.

However rain is forecast, easing this afternoon.