Black Caps look to bat out draw

In-form opener Martin Guptill is hoping recent history will inspire the Black Caps as they look to bat out the final day of the first cricket Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Monday.

Guptill, who fell three short of a century in New Zealand's first innings of 351 all out, dug in for a vital 123-run second-wicket partnership with Brendon McCullum to give the Black Caps a 28-run lead at stumps on the fourth day.

Captain Ross Taylor and nightwatchman Neil Wagner saw New Zealand safely through to 199-3 at the close, after the West Indies picked up two vital late wickets in dismissing Guptill and McCullum in the last session of the day.

Earlier, the West Indies added another 80 runs to their overnight total of 442-6, bowled out for 522 on the stroke of lunchtime.

Guptill accumulated a patient 67 off 151 balls before falling victim to some extra bounce from spinner Sunil Narine and gloving the catch to Assad Fudadin at short leg.

He says the Black Caps can draw confidence from the memory of March's final Test draw against South Africa in Wellington, when Kane Williamson's unbeaten 102 anchored New Zealand as they batted out the final day.

"It gives us a lot, because we've been there and done it," Guptill said.

"With Kane coming in next, and Ross already at the wicket, that's two of our class acts in the batting line-up.

"Hopefully they can put the West Indies to the sword tomorrow."

Guptill says holding out Narine will play a key role in New Zealand's fortunes on Monday, after the wily spinner picked up his maiden Test five-wicket haul in the first innings.

"It's about watching the ball hard - watching what his hands are doing, you can pick up a couple of little keys with his deliveries," Guptill said.

He said the wicket was showing variation in bounce as the day drew to a close, and the Black Caps would have to maintain concentration if they wanted to bat out the draw.

"Narine was getting a few to take there at the end, but there were a few balls staying low off Kemar Roach as well which we'll have to watch."