The opening Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Christchurch produced a dramatic finish, culminating in a historic draw for the visitors - and an intense moment of frustration from New Zealand skipper Tom Latham.
Batting to save the match, West Indies mounted a remarkable resistance, led by Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach, whose defiance at the crease turned the final day into a gripping display of resilience.
With New Zealand pushing for wickets late in the final session, tensions escalated when a pair of umpiring decisions went against the hosts. The first flashpoint arrived when Roach was pinned on the pads by Michael Bracewell. The New Zealand fielders erupted in appeal, convinced the ball was destined to hit leg stump.
However, umpire
Alex Wharf shook his head, and with all three DRS reviews already used by the 102nd over, the Black Caps had no avenue to challenge. Later replays revealed that the delivery would have hit leg stump - only adding to the frustration.
The second incident came just eight overs later when Bracewell appealed again, believing he had found Roach's outside edge. Wharf rejected the shout once more, but technology showed a faint spike on UltraEdge. That was the breaking point for Latham, who marched toward the umpire between overs and snapped, "Come on, Wharfy, get your bloody finger up, mate!"
The fierce emotions were understandable. Latham himself had taken over wicketkeeping duties after Tom Blundell's early injury, and the New Zealand squad had already lost pacers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry during the match.
While emotions ran high for the hosts, the West Indies showcased immense grit. Roach faced 233 balls for his career-best 58, while Greaves occupied the crease for nearly ten hours to bring up his maiden double century. Their 180-run partnership ensured the visitors survived after collapsing to 72 for 4 earlier in the innings.
West Indies finished on 457 for 6 - the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test cricket - leaving the series poised at 0-0 heading into the Wellington Test.
