Shai Hope’s superb century steered West Indies to 212-4 in a mammoth chase of 531 on the fourth day of the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday (Thursday night Barbados Time).
Wearing sunglasses after suffering an eye infection, Hope finished the day on 116 not out with 15 fours and a six. It follows up his 56 in the first innings and another top-class century against India in the previous Test in New Delhi in October.
Hope has so far added an unbroken 140-run stand with Justin Greaves for fifth wicket against a New Zealand attack depleted by injuries to fast bowlers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry. Greaves was also diligent in his approach and will resume the final day on 55 with West Indies still 319 behind their target.
“They (eyes) are much better than they were a couple of days ago, but still not where I want to be, but I guess I’m seeing it well enough to be hitting the ball,” Hope said of his infection. “Justin is a quality all-rounder, certainly showing that he’s an elite international cricketer now, not just with ball in hand, but certainly showing that with the bat and then in the field.”
Hope added: “I don’t want to give away too much but it’s just about understanding what you have to do to overcome a situation. They’ve got quality bowlers in Test cricket, nobody’s a walkover in this format.” Hope said.
Earlier, New Zealand declared their innings on 466-8 and set West Indies a huge victory target. Kemar Roach claimed three lower-order wickets to finish with figures of 5-78 – his 12th five-wicket haul of his Test career to move to 291 career wickets.
Jacob Duffy then struck after the lunch break by dismissing both West Indies openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Off-spinner Michael Bracewell removed Alick Athanaze and Henry sent back captain Roston Chase to reduce West Indies to 72-4.
Hope appeared to have no problem in sighting the ball as he soldiered on to bring up his fourth Test hundred. New Zealand’s Smith, who bowled 15 overs in the West Indies first innings, was ruled out of the rest of the match with a side strain and Henry could not bowl after tea and was sent to hospital for scans on his calf.
