IRE Vs NZ Only Test: Ravindra And Blundell Turn Tide For New Zealand Against Ireland

IRE Vs NZ Only Test: Ravindra And Blundell Turn Tide For New Zealand Against Ireland (Image Source: AFP)

Hundreds from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell helped New Zealand recover from a collapse against Ireland to reach 361-5 on the opening day of a one-off Test. New Zealand, sent in to bat in Belfast on Wednesday, were in trouble at 86-4, with Ireland paceman Mark Adair taking three wickets and Test debutant Liam McCarthy dismissing key batsman Kane Williamson.

But a mammoth fifth-wicket stand of 217 between Ravindra (121) and Blundell (142 not out) revived New Zealand's innings in a match that also serves as a warm-up fixture for their opening Test against England at Lord's next week.

Adair struck with just his second delivery, removing Tom Latham when the captain played no shot to an inswinger.

Devon Conway was then caught by a diving McCarthy at midwicket, with Adair also having Daryl Mitchell caught behind.

McCarthy had a maiden Test wicket to remember when Williamson, struggling for timing during a 70-ball 36, was lbw.

But an Ireland side featuring three debutant fast bowlers could not press home their advantage and there was a self-inflicted wound when captain Andrew Balbirnie dropped Ravindra in the slips.

Left-hander Ravindra completed his fifth Test century in 175 balls faced.

Blundell was slightly quicker, his hundred coming in 173 balls, including 15 fours and a six.

Ravindra holed out to off-spinner Harry Tector but Blundell, in the first Test between the two countries, was unbeaten at stumps.

"Batting with Tom, one of my best mates, it was cool to get it done out there," said Ravindra. "To have us four down for 80-odd made our lives quite difficult so me and Tommy's focus was on building a partnership."

McCarthy, meanwhile, was proud of the start to his Test career.

"There's not many better wickets to get than Kane Williamson for your first one," he said.

New Zealand suffered a setback before play began at Stormont after fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out with a minor strain in his left hamstring.

He has now headed to London alongside fellow pacemen Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke.

The trio will look to prove their fitness ahead of the first of a three-Test series against England at Lord's starting a week on Thursday.

Brief score

At Stormont, Belfast (first day of four):

New Zealand 361-5 (T Blundell 142 no, R Ravindra 121; M Adair 3-66) v Ireland

Toss: Ireland