Blundell celebrates New Zealand call-up with debut ton

Tom Blundell celebrated his call up to the New Zealand Test team with a century on debut as the Black Caps built a 386-run lead over the West Indies in Wellington on Sunday.

Playing on his home ground, Blundell was unbeaten on 107 when New Zealand declared their first innings at 520 for nine shortly before lunch on day three.

The West Indies faced four overs before lunch and were nine without loss in their second innings.

Blundell's century, along with 105 for Colin de Grandhomme and 93 by Ross Taylor, put New Zealand firmly in charge after the West Indies managed only 134 in their first knock.

New Zealand resumed the day at 447 for nine and immediately made clear the last wicket would not fall cheaply.

Blundell took 10 off the opening over of the day by Miguel Cummins and continued to pile on the pressure for another 21.4 overs while Boult staunchly defied his tail-end status.

The number 11 batsman faced 60 balls to be not out 18 at the end, although he was dropped when Blundell was on 99.

When Blundell was on 82, the West Indies unsuccessfully reviewed a rejected lbw appeal after a Jason Holder ball flicked off the pads for four byes.

But other than that the 27-year-old's 180-ball innings, which included 13 fours and one six, was near chanceless.

He faced nine scoreless deliveries on 99 before an inside edge off Roston Chase went past square leg for two and he then marked the milestone with a six two balls later before New Zealand declared.

© 2017 AFP