Neesham searches for Test victory

With centuries in his first two Tests, New Zealand allrounder Jimmy Neesham achieved something only done by seven others, but he was more keen on getting to be part of a Test victory.

"Very pleasing although in the first Test we had a draw, and in this Test it is looking quite flat, I think the major milestone will be getting that first Test win," Neesham said after the second day's play. "Individual stuff is nice, but the reason you play is to win games, so that's sort of pending at the moment."

West Indies had taken three quick wickets on the second morning in Jamaica but a 201-run stand between Neesham and BJ Watling kept New Zealand ahead. Neesham explained what the approach was when he walked in after those early wickets.

"We [Neesham and Watling] just talked about getting started again and get a partnership going and then we knew that from talking to the top order batsmen that if we could get in and face 20-30 balls then scoring would become a bit easier after that. We just talked about getting into good positions and defending strongly and then after that expanding and looking to get runs."

In his two Tests, Neesham has already been part of a massive game-saving stand, and now one that has propelled New Zealand to a position of strength. The rousing start to his Test career is certain to lead to ratcheting expectations, something he felt he could handle.

"I think anyone who starts well in their career is going to have to deal with expectations from that point on but I think I have been put in good stead playing fair bit of first-class cricket before coming into the Test match arena, so hopefully I'll be able to keep my head level and then just move on and look to perform in the next game as well."