Lightning Boult strikes West Indies

Fast-bowler leads New Zealand to innings-win

WELLINGTON: Trent Boult led New Zealand to their first Test win in more than a year on Friday when he produced career-best figures in a fiery bowling display that crushed the West Indies inside three days.

The West Indies lost 16 wickets on the third day as they handed New Zealand a comprehensive victory by an innings and 73 runs.

It was the Black Caps first win in 11 Tests under Brendon McCullum, who replaced Ross Taylor after their last success in Sri Lanka nearly 13 months ago.

"Everyone's obviously very happy," said McCullum. "We played near the perfect Test match and that's obviously pleasing."

The West Indies resumed Friday at 158 for four in their first innings in reply to New Zealand's 441.

They were forced to follow on when they collapsed to be all out for 193, and the second innings ended at 175.

Boult was the chief destroyer with six for 40 in the first innings where his last four wickets came in the space of six deliveries.

In the second innings he returned four for 40 and also pulled off a spectacular one-handed, diving catch when Denesh Ramdin (19) slashed at a Neil Wagner delivery.

"That catch was pretty surreal, I don't know how to explain that one, I just seemed to dive at it and it stuck," said Boult.

"It's something I'm going to cherish for long time. Ten wickets in a Test match is obviously something very special to me."

The West Indies had success at the start of the match when they won the toss and put New Zealand into bat on a green wicket, but from there they were outplayed.

Tino Best and Shannon Gabriel pitched the ball up in their early overs and had New Zealand at two for 24. But once they dropped off a good length the game slipped away from them.

"We have one Test to save the series but it's going to take a hell of an effort to do that," captain Darren Sammy said, blaming the West Indies fielding for their downfall.