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
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
38.5
Blair Tickner to Harry Brook. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, mis-timed to gully for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.
New Zealand vs England
38.4
Blair Tickner to Harry Brook. Short, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, missed for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
38.2
FOUR! Blair Tickner to Harry Brook. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, well timed past deep backward point for 4 runs.
New Zealand vs England
38.1
Blair Tickner to Harry Brook. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bracewell.
New Zealand vs England
37.6
APPEAL! Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Foakes. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot glancing, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Blundell, appeal made for Caught.
New Zealand vs England
37.5
OUT! Caught. Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Stokes. Short, down leg side on the back foot pulling, mis-timed to short mid wicket, caught by Latham.
New Zealand vs England
37.4
Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Stokes. Short, down leg side no foot movement Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
37.3
FOUR! Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Stokes. Short, down leg side deep in crease cutting, well timed in the air under control past deep cover for 4 runs.
New Zealand vs England
37.2
Scott Kuggeleijn to Harry Brook. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, to gully for 1 run, run save by Nicholls, fielded by Mitchell.
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