Boult, Southee hurt West Indies

BARBADOS: Trent Boult and Tim Southee, armed with a new ball and overcast conditions, flummoxed West Indies' top order to bolster New Zealand's case for only their second series win in the Caribbean. Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo managed to halt the slide and were assisted by a passing shower which prompted the umpires to take an early lunch.

New Zealand's declaration with an overnight lead of 307 was lazily 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. McCullum wasn't taking a punt. He was simply giving his bowlers the time they would need to dismiss the opposition, especially with more showers predicted.

The West Indies management, including Denesh Ramdin and Ottis Gibson, were in solemn discussion just before play began. Unless their plan was to look tame against the moving ball, the proceedings of the morning session would have disheartened both coach and captain.

Boult's skill in swinging the ball both ways left the batsmen noticeably unsure. Kraigg Brathwaite shouldered arms to a rousing indipper that eased off his pad to cannon into off stump. Kirk Edwards followed the same method but had managed to protect his stumps with his pads. Boult flew into an appeal and the umpire obliged, but DRS surprisingly indicated that the ball would have bounced over off stump. Edwards survived but he was clearly shaken. Another lovely delivery - this one eased across the right-hander - took the outside edge and found Ross Taylor at second slip.

A sedate Chris Gayle was hoping to occupy the crease until New Zealand's momentum eased off. However, Southee enticed him with a fuller delivery and a booming drive ended up deflecting the ball back onto his stumps. West Indies had crumbled to 31 for 3 and were eyeing another collapse in the face.

Chanderpaul helped ease those nerves and would be required to better his position as the West Indian with the most runs in the fourth innings. His composure impacted of Bravo as well, who seemed intent on making up for a loose shot in the first innings. He was tight around his off stump and held his drives in check. There was one moment when temptation got the better of him when he tried to cut Mark Craig when the ball wasn't quite wide enough. Bravo threw his head back almost in self-loathing and since then has looked quite settled. He had scripted an amazing rearguard to snatch a draw for West Indies seven months ago in Dunedin and would be drawing on that when play resumes.