'A big effort'

Kiwis celebrate first Test series win in the West Indies

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (AP) -- New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming admitted Tuesday he had a few nervous moments before his team celebrated its first Test series win in the West Indies after drawing the second Test at Queen's Park Stadium Tuesday.

"In the first hour I was very concerned," Fleming said at the post-match media conference. "The mood in the dressing room confirmed everyone's feeling that we were in trouble."

The visitors lost three early wickets to slump to 157 for five in their second innings, just 60 ahead.

But all-rounder Scott Styris (69 not out) and wicket-keeper Robbie Hart (28 not out) shared a crucial 99-run unbroken stand for the sixth wicket before late afternoon rain confirmed the draw, and a 1-0 series win.

"It took a big effort from two inexperienced players to get us out of a hole again," Fleming said.

"This is fantastic. It's one of the highlights of my career," Fleming said. "You talk about gloss. This is as glossy as it gets."

The triumph was the first for the Kiwis on their fourth tour and was the first time since 1973 that the West Indies has lost a single Test match in any series.

"A series win is something you savour for a long time, especially in New Zealand and especially when you tour a place like the West Indies," Fleming said.

West Indies coach Roger Harper credited the New Zealanders for fighting their way back to seal the series.

"They had difficult periods and they rallied through them," the former Test off-spinner said. "Their lower order showed a bit more determination and a lot of discipline and they got them out of some pretty deep holes."

Captain Carl Hooper said that the Black Caps' team spirit was a key element in their success.

"The New Zealand side plays as a team. I think that's where their strength lies," Hooper said. "I wouldn't say they haven't got any talented players. But they have a lot of players you tend to underestimate."

 

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