Debutants Da Silva, Holder impress after day one

Lennox Aldred, Gleaner Writer

West Indies debutants Joshua Da Silva and Chemar Holder put in a workmanlike performance on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand, with both players relishing their opportunities.

Fast bowler Holder didn't miss a beat after coming into the side to replace Kemar Roach, as the Barbadian has so far picked up two wickets for 65 runs from 18 overs, as the Kiwi's reached 294 for six at stumps.

Ironically, it was the other debutant Da Silva, who snared the catch behind the stumps to hand Holder his first Test wicket.

Holder could have had more success were it not for some ordinary fielding in the slip from Darren Bravo, who put down a couple of chances off Henry Nicholls, who went on to get an unbeaten 117 runs.

For Holder, his first bowl in Test cricket was a decent one, however, it wasn't all rosy at the start.

"Starting off, our lengths were too full but then after that, we had a discussion with the captain and we came back and did well," said Holder.

Holder's second Test wicket came in the final session of the day when he trapped Daryll Mitchell in front for 42.

In the meantime, Da Silva, who had two catches on debut after taking over the wicketkeeping duties from the injured Shane Dowrich, says the ball was moving around a lot in the windy conditions at Wellington, and that may have contributed to the number of dropped chances the West Indies put down.

For Da Silva, those negatives are done and dusted, and it is a matter for the team to come out on today's second day and correct those mistakes.

"It's always frustrating with the drop catches but we have to look forward to the next one. We can't do anything about it now, we just have to move on and try to get them again," said Da Silva.

Shannon Gabriel has been the pick of the bowlers so far for the visitors, bagging 3 for 57 including his 150th Test wicket. Alzarri Joseph has so far taken one for 65.