Youngsters star for Black Caps

Black Caps youngsters Ben Wheeler and Mitchell Santner starred on the second day of New Zealand's four-day match against Somerset at Taunton.

The Kiwis bowled Somerset out for 204 in the 47th over and took a 33-run lead into the second innings, extending that advantage to 182 runs with seven wickets in hand at stumps.

With key Black Caps including skipper Brendon McCullum, pace bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee and batsman Kane Williamson still in India on IPL duties, young members of the Test squad have been given an opportunity to shine in the tour match.

Santner looked comfortable at the crease in compiling his fifth first-class half century to remain unbeaten on 70, hitting 11 fours and a six during his 85-ball innings.

Test opener Tom Latham ensured a steady start for the New Zealand second innings with 57 off 97 balls.

Earlier, 23-year-old Wheeler shone with an aggressive opening spell of fast bowling, ripping through the top order to grab a five-wicket bag on international debut.

Although he admitted to some early nervousness, Wheeler finished with figures of 5-18 from 11 overs in the fine and warm conditions.

"To get that first over under my belt and to see the ball swinging, I started to relax," Wheeler said.

The younger brother of Highlanders lock Joe, Wheeler claimed his third five-wicket haul in his brief first-class career.

The Central Districts left-armer looked dangerous from the start, snaring the first breakthrough in trapping Johann Myburgh lbw for three in his first over.

He then clean-bowled Australian Tom Cooper without scoring and James Hildreth for 13 as the hosts struggled with his pace and subtle movement in the air and off the pitch.

In between Wheeler's wickets Jacob Duffy, also on debut, chipped in with his first international scalp when he had opener Tom Abell caught at second slip by Mark Craig for one.

Wheeler claimed his fourth when Luke Ronchi took a straightforward catch in the gully to remove Jim Allenby for 28, then completed his five-wicket bag after lunch with the wicket of Scottish international Josh Davey.