Black Caps struggle against Jamaica XI

Falmouth (Jamaica), May 30 (IANS/CMC) New Zealand have clawed their way back after they were forced to struggle by Jamaica XI on the first day of the two-day tour match here at the Trelawny Multiplex.

New Zealand, who were struggling at 42 for the loss of four wickets, limped to 112 for six. Debutant Mark Craig grabbed three late wickets to throw the home side into disarray at 94 for five at stumps Thursday, reports CMC.

The Black Caps opened their tour of the West Indies with a tough batting day losing captain Peter Fulton without scoring even after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Left-arm pacer Gavon Brown crippled New Zealand's innings taking two wickets for 15 runs as the Blackcaps slipped to 43-3 just before rain brought the players in.

After James Neesham, fresh from the Indian Premier League (IPL), was removed without scoring, New Zealand went to lunch at 53-4.

But Tom Latham looked promising on his way to 33 before he became Brown's second victim, trapped lbw.

Ish Sodhi and Luke Ronchi rallied in the middle innings contributing 23 not out and 21 respectively as Christopher Powell, Odean Brown, Ramaal Lewis and Brian Buchanan picked up a wicket each.

A solid opening stand of 40 between Shacaya Thomas and Jon Ross Campbell ensured the Jamaicans were given an encouraging start.

But when the partnership was broken after Campbell was caught for 18, the Jamaica innings began to collapse.

Offspinner Craig exploited a grassless pitch to remove opener Thomas for 22, captain Paul Palmer for six and Brandon King for three to send the home side reeling.

Kenar Lewis was not out on a well played 31.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand 112 for six declared (Tom Latham 33, Ish Sodhi 22 not out, Luke Ronchi 21, Gavon Brown 2/15)

Jamaican XI 94 for five (Kenar Lewis 31 not out, Shacaya Thomas 22, Mark Craig 3/19)

--IANS/CMC

vs/pr/rd