New Zealand vs England LIVE: Cricket score and updates from first Test

England reach 79-2 in their second innings at stumps on day two and lead by 98 runs

A view of Bay Oval under the lights in Mount Maunganui (AFP via Getty Images)

Tom Blundell struck a brilliant century to reel in England on day two of the first pink-ball Test in Mount Maunganui on Friday but the wicket-keeper was left red-faced after costing New Zealand a late wicket in the evening session.

Blundell’s 138 from 181 balls drove New Zealand to 306 in their reply to England’s declared first innings total of 325-9 on a glorious day at Bay Oval.

New Zealand removed openers Zak Crawley (28) and Ben Duckett (25), leaving the tourists 79-2 with a lead of 98 runs at stumps.

A mix-up between wicket-keeper Blundell and bowler Scott Kuggeleijn cost New Zealand a third wicket, though, reprieving a scoreless Stuart Broad after the night-watchman sent a top edge soaring into the night sky.

As the man with the gloves, Blundell should have taken it but the ball dropped harmlessly between the pair, allowing Broad to stroll off six not out, with No 3 Ollie Pope unbeaten on 14.

New Zealand vs England LIVE: First Test updates

• England face New Zealand in the first Test of a two-match series in Tauranga
• England declared on 325-9 towards the end of day one, as Harry Brook top-scored with 89
• New Zealand bowled out for 306 after Tom Blundell’s 138
• England reach 79-2 at stumps on day two, and lead by 98 runs

New Zealand vs England

16 February 2023 06:59

New Zealand vs England

58.2

OUT! Caught. Neil Wagner to Jack Leach. Short, outside off stump backing away pulling, top edge in the air uncontrolled to short mid wicket, caught by Latham.

16 February 2023 06:57

New Zealand vs England

58.1

Neil Wagner to Jack Leach. Half volley, down leg side backing away glancing, hit pad to short leg for no runs, fielded by Latham.

16 February 2023 06:55

New Zealand vs England

57.6

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot glancing, to leg gully for no runs, fielded by Bracewell.

16 February 2023 06:54

New Zealand vs England

57.5

FOUR! Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Back of a length, outside off stump backing away pulling, well timed in the air under control past long off for 4 runs.

16 February 2023 06:53

New Zealand vs England

57.4

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Off cutter length ball, outside off stump backing away dropped, to short leg for no runs.

16 February 2023 06:53

New Zealand vs England

57.3

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Short, outside off stump ducked Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.

16 February 2023 06:52

New Zealand vs England

57.2

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Short, outside off stump ducked Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.

16 February 2023 06:51

New Zealand vs England

57.1

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Robinson. Back of a length, outside off stump backing away cutting, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Tickner.

16 February 2023 06:51

New Zealand vs England

56.6

Neil Wagner to Jack Leach. Back of a length, middle stump backing away Steer, to gully for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.

16 February 2023 06:50