Flynn gives NZ solid start against West Indies

An unbeaten 92 from New Zealand batsman Daniel Flynn helped the home side reach 180 for three at tea on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies Thursday.

Flynn made the most of his chance after being promoted to number three in the batting order, reaching his maiden half century.

The 23-year-old, playing just his eighth Test, survived the occasional streaky shot to play the anchor role.

The slow-paced University Oval wicket did not offer much help to the West Indies bowlers but New Zealand's batsmen helped the tourists' cause, giving away their wickets with poor shots.

Debutant opener Tim McIntosh played the early supporting role after recovering from a nervous start to reach 34, losing his wicket shortly after the lunch break after putting on 87 runs with Flynn.

Jesse Ryder played some characteristic cracking drives to reach 22 by tea in an unbroken 52-run partnership with Flynn.

New Zealand's opening partnership woes -- which have seen a stream of batsmen come and go in recent seasons -- continued with the early dismissal of How with the total on 10.

McIntosh took 34 balls to get off the mark, edging a streaky four over gully to end his frustration.

The debutant struggled to come to terms with the pace of Fidel Edwards, Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor in the first hour, but gained in assurance after hitting Edwards for two fours.

Six overs into the afternoon session, McIntosh gave his wicket away too easily, mistiming an on-drive off West Indies skipper Chris Gayle to find Lionel Baker at mid-on.

Gayle struck again eight overs later with his languid off-spin when the talented but ill-disciplined Ross Taylor (15) skied an attempted sweep to Xavier Marshall at midwicket.

Gayle has two wickets for 29 off 15 overs and Powell has one for 32 off 13 overs.