Tatenda Taibu dug Zimbabwe out of trouble with his highest Test innings on the first day of the first Test against West Indies in Harare on Tuesday.

Taibu was 75 not out after guiding Zimbabwe, who won the toss and chose to bat, to 284 for six at stumps.

The Zimbabwean vice-captain, who took guard with his team in trouble on 154 for five, was at the crease for almost three hours during which he has faced 146 balls and hit eight fours.

He received support from debutant Stuart Matsikenyeri, who scored 57 in a sixth-wicket stand of 79, and from his captain, Heath Streak, who was 16 not out in an unfinished partnership of 51.

"I was just trying to watch the ball, move my legs and play as late as possible," Taibu told Reuters.

"I told myself I needed to make them bowl at me, and to work the ball off my legs. I had to do that by waiting for the ball to come to me."

Taibu's approach differed markedly from most of his team mates, five of whom fell to catches by wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs or first slip Brian Lara after chasing wide deliveries.

"The West Indies bowled well in patches, but I think the main problem was that the guys got frustrated and they weren't patient enough," Taibu said.

"We've got to learn quickly from that."

Taibu and Matsikenyeri are both aged just 20, but Taibu is playing his 11th Test. He said he enjoyed batting with the debutant. "We play for the same club, and we train a lot together," Taibu said. "It was great batting with him, and I know he enjoys the way I play.

"I just said to him, 'You're good enough, go out there and express yourself'."

Taibu said Zimbabwe were satisfied with their position at the end of the first day, but were mindful that they still had plenty to do to keep the visitors in check.

"We've set ourselves the goal of reaching 300-plus and we're getting closer to that," he said. "The West Indies can come back, and we have to be ready for them."