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
22.6
Michael Bracewell to Joe Root. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to point for no runs, fielded by Mitchell.
New Zealand vs England
22.5
Michael Bracewell to Joe Root. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep point for 2 runs, fielded by Kuggeleijn.
New Zealand vs England
22.4
Michael Bracewell to Joe Root. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to backward point for no runs, fielded by Kuggeleijn.
New Zealand vs England
22.3
Michael Bracewell to Joe Root. Off break half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 2 runs, fielded by Williamson.
New Zealand vs England
22.1
Michael Bracewell to Joe Root. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to short leg for no runs, fielded by Latham.
New Zealand vs England
21.6
Neil Wagner to Ollie Pope. Back of a length, down leg side no foot movement Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
21.5
No ball Neil Wagner to Joe Root. Length ball, down leg side on the front foot glancing, to fine leg and it was a no ball, fielded by Tickner.
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