Tuesday, 1 July 2014
New Zealand 293 (Neesham 78, Benn 5-93) and 331 for 7 dec (Williamson 161*, Roach 4-55) beat West Indies 317 (Brathwaite 68, Wagner 4-64) and 254 (Holder 52, Southee 3-28, Boult 3-49) by 53 runs
Trent Boult and Tim Southee shepherded New Zealand to their first series win away from home against a top-eight nation in 12 years.
New Zealand's declaration with an overnight lead of 307 had lazily been dubbed brave. The fact that they were away from home would have been discussed. The criticism they would invite if West Indies overhauled the target and claim the series had the potential to frighten. But Brendon McCullum does not appear a captain who prefers the safe route. Moreover, in Boult and Southee, he had two exceptional new-ball bowlers, who would be operating against a depleted batting line-up. It wasn't a punt. McCullum was simply giving his bowlers the time they would need to dismiss the opposition, especially with showers predicted. Two of them did interrupt play, but in the end they contributed to a stunning finish as the Test went down to the final hour.
