DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) – The first Test between New Zealand and the West Indies ended in a draw early today, with rain washing out the final session and preventing a potentially exciting climax.
New Zealand were 79 for four, chasing 112 to win when rain set in just before tea, providing the last twist in a Test made compelling by the West Indies’ brave fightback after following on 396 runs behind.
Darren Bravo made 218 to lead the West Indies to 507 in their second innings – an overall lead of 111 – and New Zealand appeared to have a simple task of chasing down the modest target.
However controversial off-spinner Shane Shillingford took four quick wickets to reduce the hosts to 44 for four and at that point the West Indies looked capable of becoming just the fourth team in history to win a Test after following on.
The home side steadied, with young allrounder Corey Anderson (20 not out) and first-inning double-century maker Ross Taylor (16 not out) getting the hosts back on course for victory only for the rain to arrive and then set in at the University Oval.
