NEW DELHI: Providing a pitch report is traditionally the domain of cricket experts, but on the fourth day of the third Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Mount Maunganui, fans were handed the unusual privilege of wearing that hat. And they didn’t disappoint.

From assessing the turn in offer to predicting how the ball might behave later in the day, the crowd left no stone unturned in their analysis. Their enthusiastic and surprisingly accurate insights had the feel of seasoned experts at work, turning a routine aspect of the game into a fun and interactive spectacle for everyone present.

After dismantling the West Indies tail on Day 4 to secure a 155-run first-innings lead, New Zealand piled on the pressure with brilliant centuries from Tom Latham and Devon Conway, tightening their grip on the match.

The hosts declared their second innings at 306/2, setting the West Indies a daunting target of 462 runs.

The West Indies resumed at 381/6 and lost their last four wickets in just over 15 overs in the first hour to be all out for 420 in reply to New Zealand’s 575/8 declared.

Kevam Hodge remained not out on 123, his second test century and highest score.

New Zealand lead the three-match series 1–0, having drawn the first Test and secured a convincing nine-wicket victory in the second.