West Indies v New Zealand, 1st Test, Kingston

Kane Williamson registered his sixth Test century and passed 2,000 runs as New Zealand overcame testing batting conditions to post 240-2 on day one of the first Test against West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

The Kiwi right-hander, who has spent the start of the summer with Yorkshire, dug deep to end the opening day unbeaten on 105 from 263 balls faced.

Williamson, who excels against slow-paced bowling, reached his first Test hundred against West Indies in the penultimate over with back-to-back boundaries off Sulieman Benn, but was largely restrained on a bouncy track.

The 23-year-old, who passed 2,000 Test runs when he reached 36, hit 11 fours and forged a century partnership with left-hander Tom Latham (83), playing in just his second Test.

The pair came together after Peter Fulton edged recalled pace bowler Jerome Taylor behind for just one at the start of the ninth over with the score on 9-1.

Local boy Taylor was celebrating a second wicket when Latham edged to gully when on 39, however TV replays showed that the bowler had marginally overstepped in his delivery stride.

Latham cashed in and looked set for a maiden Test century but perished 17 runs shy when presenting a simple return catch to Shane Shillingford via the leading edge.

Ross Taylor (34) added late impetus to the day alongside Williamson, who avoided an uncomfortable night’s sleep when he guided Benn to the rope in the 90th over.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Chris Gayle, who is playing in his 100th Test for West Indies.

West Indies batsman Chris Gayle is determined to mark the 100th Test of a rather impressive career with a solid performance.

Gayle became only the 59th cricketer to achieve the milestone on Sunday, when the series opener against New Zealand at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, got underway.

"I've reached my 100th match and it is special because it is at home. Sabina Park is my favourite ground. It has changed a bit over the years and it's very special to play cricket here at home with my family, friends and supporters in the crowd, I always love playing at home and Sunday's match will have great significance for me," enthused Gayle.

"I also want to have a huge performance. I'm sure the fans will be thrilled to see this occasion on television across the Caribbean and around the world. They have been very supportive throughout the years when I have had my ups and downs."

The 34-year-old Gayle is the ninth West Indian to reach 100 Test caps, after team-mate Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former batsmen Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Desmond Haynes, Clive Lloyd, Gordon Greenidge, erstwhile all-rounder Carl Hooper and ex-fast bowler Courtney Walsh. The Antigua-born Curtly Ambrose, meanwhile, retired after 98.

"I have had my challenges coming up to my 100th Test match. To be able to stand here today I am very proud and I want to keep scoring runs and represent the West Indies for as long as I can," added Gayle.

"To share a dressing room with Ambrose and Walsh - and being at first slip with the two big men bowling and hitting edges and me taking a few catches - was very good for me."