NEW ZEALAND v WEST INDIES 1955-56

Toss: New Zealand. Test debut: West Indies - A.T.Roberts.

Local offices closed and excited crowds streamed to the Eden Park ground on the last afternoon as Cave and Beard bowled New Zealand to their first victory in 26 years of Test cricket. New Zealand owed much to the example of Reid, their captain. Until his arrival at the crease on the opening day nothing about New Zealand's cricket suggested their eventual triumph. Miller and MacGibbon struggled unconvincingly against a keen attack, following the early dismissal of McGregor, and Reid brought the first touch of mastery to the batting. Free, attacking strokes enabled him to hit eleven 4's in his 84, and he dominated a partnership of 104 with the dour Beck.

Bad light ended the first day forty minutes early with New Zealand 203 for six, and as the players left the field a tropical cyclone broke over the ground. Quicker bowlers were in their element next day. Dewdney swiftly accounted for the remaining New Zealand batsmen but MacGibbon and Cave proved equally menacing when West Indies batted. Weekes was, for once, among the early batting casualties and, despite a painstaking display by Furlonge, West Indies finished 110 behind.

Atkinson made a valiant attempt to retrieve the touring side's position with another whole-hearted bowling performance, but sensibly brisk batting by Guillen helped Reid to set them the formidable task of scoring 268 in four hours. Against the hostile swing bowling of Cave and Beard, West Indies collapsed so completely on a good batting pitch that the board soon showed 22 for six.

Weekes and Binns rallied their team briefly but, after Alabaster dismissed both in an economical spell of leg-breaks, Cave and Beard completed West Indies' rout for their lowest score in Test cricket.