David Leggat: A convincing win - but still some questions

New Zealand's Mark Craig bowls during the second innings on the fourth day of their first cricket Test match against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Photo / AP

Opinion

New Zealand will reflect on a fine test victory for the next day or two, then minds will turn to the first of two opportunities to clinch what would be a notable series triumph.

But within the planning, some tough questions may need addressing. The early mail out of Jamaica yesterday was that the pitch at Queen's Park in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, venue for next week's second test, doesn't take spin as readily as it once did.

Yet in the last three tests at the ground, 41 out of 92 wickets were taken by spinners. That's the sort of statistic which might persuade the selectors that two specialist spinners are again needed.

If they arrive and find a green strip tailormade for seamers and know a third specialist fast-medium option is needed - that is, Neil Wagner - one of Mark Craig or Ish Sodhi would presumably have to make way to keep the balance right.

Craig got eight wickets on debut in Jamaica so it could hardly be him. Sodhi took four wickets but, in that scenario, would be vulnerable.

Then there's Peter Fulton, 1 and 0 at Sabina Park, the second innings a dreadful shot which betrayed an edginess and cluttered mind, and who can't buy a run right now. Does Hamish Rutherford get a recall, or do they opt for the status quo after such a convincing win?

And how about Corey Anderson. If over his neck injury, how do the selectors find a place for him? There's plenty to ponder, but that's for later. After dominating the first test from the off, New Zealand should savour a job particularly well done.

Kane Williamson's sixth century, Jimmy Neesham's second and Tom Latham's encouraging start to life as a test opener, 83 and 73, laid the groundwork; Tim Southee and Craig led the bowling operation.

The West Indies are a world away from their epic era. Even so, more was expected in their own conditions. Still, that's not New Zealand's problem.

As that 10-test winless run last year rolled along, Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson insisted good things weren't far away. This was viewed with scepticism at the time. But they have been proved right.

There are good reasons for optimism. The bowlers worked effectively, the first innings batting was again impressive and in Craig New Zealand have uncovered a highly encouraging spin option.

The maturing of this team, the pieces nestling in place, and Craig's debut which hints at good things to come, are all immensely satisfying. The self-belief is there for all to see.