Styris and Hart check charge by West Indies

New Zealand 373 and 256-5 West Indies 47

An assured sixth-wicket partnership between the all-rounder Scott Styris and the wicketkeeper Robbie Hart, their two least experienced players, and three rain showers virtually guaranteed New Zealand the draw in the second and final Test here yesterday that would secure them the mini-series.

When the weather interrupted for the third time in the final session, time had all but run out on the West Indies' effort to secure the victory they needed to neutralise New Zealand's first Test triumph by 204 runs.

Styris was 69 not out, following his first-innings 107, and Hart 28 not out with New Zealand 256 for 5, a lead of 159.

Styris, New Zealand's outstanding player in the preceding one-day internationals, became only the 10th player in history to mark his debut Test with the double of a century and a half-century. Since one of his two wickets in the West Indies innings was Brian Lara, he will have fond memories of Grenada's inaugural Test.

Styris and Hart came together with New Zealand in danger of complete collapse at 157 for 5 as the West Indies claimed the wickets of key batsmen Mark Richardson, Nathan Astle and Chris Harris to the combined spin of Carl Hooper and Mahendra Nagamootoo on a pitch offering slow turn.

With the specialist batsman Craig McMillan demoted in the order after needing three stitches to a cut on his left hand sustained while fielding, another quick wicket would have been a further serious setback for the New Zealanders.

Styris and Hart responded with level-headed application, however. Styris tempered the aggression he showed in the first innings and Hart played with the calm assurance he has shown in both Tests.