Flynn happy to do his bit

New Zealand batsman Daniel Flynn admitted to mixed feelings after falling five short of a maiden Test century on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies in Dunedin.

Flynn’s 95 was comfortably his highest score for the Black Caps, surpassing his previous best of 49, and, while he was delighted to have registered a fifty in his eighth Test, he was disappointed not to reach three figures.

“I thought I was going to kill two birds with one stone there today but obviously not,” he said.

“Getting runs on the board is what counts so to get through to 95. Obviously I’m disappointed not to kick on and get that hundred, but to make a contribution like that I’m very happy with.”

Flynn’s name will go down in the history books, though, as he became the first New Zealand player to be dismissed through the new umpire referral system currently on trial.

Daniel Flynn works the ball to leg during his innings of 95, his highest score in New Zealand colours

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Chris Gayle’s initial appeal for leg before was turned down by umpire Amish Shehab but under the new rules the Windies skipper was allowed to challenge, and have the decision referred to television umpire Rudi Koertzen.

Koertzen adjudged the ball hit Flynn in line with off stump and would have gone on to hit the stumps, and the left-hander became Gayle’s third victim of the day.

“I thought I was all right to be honest but the longer it dragged out the more I realised I was in a bit more trouble,” Flynn added.

“It is bitter-sweet but it’s great to make a contribution like I did and get us through to what is probably a par score at the end of the day.”

New Zealand reached 226 for four when bad light ended play early and Flynn revealed the Black Caps would be looking to reach 400 on what is a good surface for batting at the University Oval.

“I think maybe one less (wicket down) would have been ideal, preferably mine. But I think it’s a par day on that wicket,” he said.

“We have got some really good players to come with Dan (Vettori) and Franky (James Franklin), and with Jesse and Baz (Brendon McCullum) there we’re looking for 400-plus.”