West Indians reply solidly to Auckland's 587

West Indians 82 for 0 (Marshall 45*, Chattergoon 31*) trail Auckland 587 for 7 dec (Jones 201, Young 61, Mills 50) by 505 runs
Scorecard

The West Indians made a watchful start with the bat after Auckland declared at 587 for 7 on day two of their three-day match at the Eden Park Outer Oval. Xavier Marshall was on 45 and Sewnarine Chattergoon 31 as the visitors finished on 82 for 0, no doubt keen to get in useful practice on a good batting track in their only practice match ahead of the Test series. For the home side captain Richard Jones scored a double century and Gareth Hopkins an unbeaten 103 to go with half-centuries from Tim McIntosh, Reece Young and Kyle Mills.

The West Indians were kept in the field for 156.1 overs, more than half of this match. Auckland declared their first innings just before tea, after Hopkins - who was dropped for the two Tests - reached his century with a six. It was Hopkins' eighth first-class century. Jones had resumed the day on 186 and duly reached a career-best 201. Jones lost his overnight partner Young on 61, but Hopkins further frustrated the tourists, raising his century off 182 balls. Mills also chipped in with 50 and debutant Jeet Raval made 31. Auckland's total was their highest against a touring team.

Fidel Edwards was the best of the West Indian bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 125 from 29 overs. Lionel Baker, one of the hopefuls for the first Test, took 1 for 95 off 28 overs. The left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn bowled 48 overs and took 1 for 146.

Their openers then batted 31 overs untroubled. The West Indians will look to use the three sessions remaining in the match for batting practice.