Losing three wickets in the last hour undid much of New Zealand’s belligerent work as they reached 5-280 on the first day of the first cricket Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
In the first of two Tests between world No.8-ranked New Zealand and No.10-ranked Bangladesh, Kane Williamson reached his fourth Test century but his dismissal for 114 was one of three in the last 10 overs that dulled the Black Caps’ previous position of strength at 2-244.
It was still a solid return for New Zealand, who won the toss and elected to bat on a newly-laid pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium which was low and slow in nature.
Spin was introduced after five overs and dominated much of the day.
Hamish Rutherford produced a loose shot to be caught in the outfield for 34 but fellow-opener Peter Fulton showed patience in a 126-run second-wicket partnership with Williamson before falling for 73.
Williamson, 23, batted fluently, pouncing on loose balls in a 275-minute stay which featured 12 fours.
The late flurry of wickets began when Ross Taylor was caught off left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak for 28.
Williamson was then dismissed lbw by Shakib Al Hasan, before captain Brendon McCullum’s bright 21 ended when he was also trapped in front, by left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, off the last ball of the day.
Razzak, who was recalled to the Test side after two years, took 2-100 while fellow spinners Sohag Gazi, Shakib Al Hasan and Nasir Hossain all snared one scalp.
Allrounder Corey Anderson, on Test debut, will join night watchman Bruce Martin at the crease on day two.
Fulton is hopeful the New Zealand lower order can capitalise on the foundation laid.
“We did a lot of good work in the first 85 overs, so it was disappointing
to lose those last two wickets.
“We still have capable batsmen to come in and we will look to get around 350 to 400.
“That will give our bowlers something to bowl at. I would expect the wicket to get lower and slower.”
Making his Test debut alongside Anderson is legspinner Ish Sodhi, who is expected to carry a heavy load along with experienced left-arm spinner Martin in the field for New Zealand.
There was no room for seam bowlers Neil Wagner and Mark Gillespie, with just Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell to provide any pace in the Black Caps attack.
