Gayle and Nash revive West Indies

Chris Gayle scored his first Test century in three years as the West Indies scrapped to a 160-run lead with four sessions remaining in the deciding Test of the series. Gayle mixed flamboyance with patience in his 117 not out, which included 11 fours and five sixes, and combined in a vital 118-run stand with Brendan Nash that lifted the visitors to 224 for 4 at tea.

It was an important partnership after Jeetan Patel's double breakthrough left West Indies in severe danger at 106 for 4 half-way through the first session. Gayle's eighth Test hundred was brought up with a nervous single to backward point after he spent 40 balls in the 90s. Gayle pushed to Patel and called yes before Nash sent him back. However, Gayle slipped on the pitch just before Patel got to the ball, but the fielder fumbled and Gayle was able to waltz through to complete his century from 189 balls.

Gayle was outstanding with his shot selection and judgment, keeping out the testing deliveries from both finger spinners and launching into some lusty blows into the stands on the legside. This was his first Test hundred since scoring 317 against South Africa in Antigua in 2005, an amazing 25 Tests and 47 innings ago.

Nash built on his well-compiled 74 in the first innings with an equally important 60 not out. While his captain scored predominantly straight down the ground, Nash pushed and prodded square of the wicket, making life difficult for the New Zealand attack to adjust to each batsman.

After leaving so consistently outside his off stump, Nash was gifted width on numerous occasions and made the hosts pay by punishing them through point. He also worked off his pads nicely, collecting at will as well as picking up a couple of boundaries. He brought his fifty up off 137 balls with a sweetly timed cover drive off Patel.

New Zealand brought their seamers back on through the middle session to give the finger spinners a rest but they were unable to produce a much-needed breakthrough. Patel remained the hosts' key destroyer with 3 for 83 while Daniel Vettori was miserly with 1 for 47 from 29 overs.