DUNEDIN, New Zealand, CMC

West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor played an amazing innings and was thrilled beyond words after recording his first Test century yesterday.

His courageous knock pulled the West Indies out of trouble against New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at University Oval.

"Words can't quite describe how I feel," Taylor said, after he smashed 106 off 107 balls with 17 fours and three sixes.

Taylor led a West Indies recovery before the visitors were dismissed for 340, replying to New Zealand's first innings total of 365.

Coveted milestone

Taylor reached the coveted milestone when he drove a half-volley outside of the off-stump from James Franklin through square cover for the 16th of his 17 fours.

"I always knew I had it in me to make a Test century and today I proved it," Taylor said.

The Jamaican fast bowler went to the crease with the Windies at an unsteady 173 for six - 192 behind on first innings.

His innings was one of quality, adorned with classy drives, and would have warmed the heart of head coach John Dyson, after his urgings that the West Indies fast bowler had the potential to be a more-than-capable lower-order batsman.

"The coaches keep telling me I have the ability to be an all-rounder and I'm taking my batting seriously and working very hard. I wanted to take it a step at a time, get a half-century first and try to move to a century. It all came at once today," the 24-year-old said.

Show my skills

He added: "I like to express myself in the middle and show my skills. I didn't think I had to change my style because we were in trouble. I felt I should back myself and believe in myself. Making a Test century is everyone's dream and I have fulfilled that dream. I hope it is the first of many to come," added Taylor, who was recently named Cricketer of the Year in Jamaica.

It was Taylor's first century in any form of cricket.

His previous highest in first-class was 40 and his Test-best before yesterday was 31.