Taylor ton keeps Windies in touch

Jerome Taylor, who had never passed 50 before, reaches three figures

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A fine maiden Test century from pace bowler Jerome Taylor was not enough to prevent West Indies conceding a first-innings deficit in the opening Test against New Zealand in Dunedin.

Despite a record seventh-wicket partnership of 153 between Taylor and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of 153, the tourists fell 25 short of New Zealand’s total as they were bowled out for 340 midway through the final session on day four.

But they fought back well to have New Zealand for 44 for two by the close, a lead of 69, after Daren Powell bowled Jamie How and nightwatchman Kyle Mills with successive balls.

Daniel Flynn survived the hat-trick ball to be four not out at stumps with Tim McIntosh unbeaten on 24 after being dropped by Sewnarine Chattergoon in the final over of the day.

The day belonged to Taylor, who took less than a run a ball to bring up his hundred in the penultimate over before drinks, sparking joyous celebrations in the West Indies camp.

It was the first time Taylor had passed 50 in a first-class match, and the 24-year-old fast bowler showed plenty of composure as well as full range of stroke on his way to 106, of which 86 came in boundaries.

Mark Gillespie, whose 21 overs cost 102, came in for particularly rough treatment, and New Zealand were thankful for Daneil Vettori’s fine return of 6-56 off 25 overs.

New Zealand began the day in fine style, taking the key wickets of Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan as the tourists, who resumed on 39 for no loss, slumped to 158 for four by lunch.

Taylor is caught behind for a sparkling 106, one of six wickets for New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori

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Gayle – 29 not out overnight – looked set for a big score as he found the rope at regular intervals, bringing up his half-century with his eighth boundary.

Opening partner Chattergoon added just four to his nine not out before perishing on the hook, and Mills and wicketkeeper combined to remove Sarwan.

Gayle mistimed a pull of Iain O’Brien to James Franklin and Xavier Marshall was adjudged caught via bat and pad for 20 by television umpire Rudi Koertzen under the review system after on-field umpire Amish Saheba had turned down the initial appeal.

The West Indies were in trouble at 173 for six when Taylor came to the crease but he and Chanderpaul, who was eventually last man out for 76, steadied the ship in admirable fashion.

Taylor went to 50 off the last ball before tea, and Chanderpaul followed him to the landmark immediately after the interval.

Taylor accelerated away to reach his century off just 97 balls, but two overs after drinks Vettori had him caught behind to spark a West Indies collapse.

Powell fell next ball and, although Fidel Edwards survived the hat-trick ball from Vettori, he departed without scoring courtesy of a superb diving catch by substitute fielder Sean Eathorne. Vettori completed his haul by bowling Chanderpaul two overs later.