New Zealand's Mitchell Hay celebrates 50 runs during day two of the 2nd international Test cricket match between New Zealand and West Indies at the Basin reserve in Wellington on December 11, 2025.

Wellington (AFP) - Debutant Mitch Hay’s unbeaten 50 guided New Zealand to 200-5 at tea on day two of the second Test in Wellington on Wednesday, just five runs behind the West Indies first innings’ 205.

Hay was unbeaten on 52 from 75 balls and playing with poise in his first taste of Test cricket. He hit six fours and a six. Glenn Phillips was two not out.

The 25-year-old Hay came to the crease at 117-4 after Rachin Ravindra, for five, and Devon Conway, who made 60, fell in back-to-back overs immediately after lunch.

He quickly found his feet at Test level, at ease with the pace and movement of the Basin Reserve wicket.

Hay and Daryl Mitchell combined for a 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Hay the aggressor, leaving Mitchell in the unusual position of playing anchor.

Mitchell fell just before tea for 25.

Earlier, Conway batted well for his 60 from 108 balls before feathering down the leg side to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach soon after lunch.

Conway and Kane Williamson, who was out near the end of the morning session for 37, steadied the New Zealand innings after captain Tom Latham was bowled by Kemar Roach for 11.

After the hosts resumed on their overnight 24-0, Williamson came to the crease at 36-1 and New Zealand’s record run scorer punished some erratic bowling as he hit seven fours in his 46-ball stay.

Conway was given a life when dropped by Shai Hope at leg slip on 28.

He took advantage and had put on 67 for the second wicket when Anderson Phillip bowled Williamson just before lunch with an unplayable swinging delivery that took the top of off stump.

New Zealand said that seam bowler Blair Tickner had dislocated his shoulder on day one and would not bowl or field for the rest of the match.

Tickner, who took 4-32 in a career-best effort on Tuesday, was taken to hospital after being injured while fielding and will only bat if necessary.