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

12.2

Blair Tickner to Ben Duckett. Back of a length, off stump on the back foot Steer, to gully for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.

16 February 2023 02:15

New Zealand vs England

11.6

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Pope. Length ball, outside off stump down the track driving, back to bowler for no runs.

16 February 2023 02:13

New Zealand vs England

11.5

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Pope. Short, outside off stump backing away Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.

16 February 2023 02:12

New Zealand vs England

11.4

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Duckett. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot pulling, in the air under control to deep square leg for 1 run, fielded by Conway.

16 February 2023 02:12

New Zealand vs England

11.3

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Duckett. Length ball, down leg side on the back foot pushing, to gully for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.

16 February 2023 02:11

New Zealand vs England

11.2

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ben Duckett. Length ball, down leg side on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.

16 February 2023 02:10

New Zealand vs England

16 February 2023 02:07

New Zealand vs England

11.1

Scott Kuggeleijn to Ollie Pope. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, top edge to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Tickner.

16 February 2023 02:03

New Zealand vs England

10.6

Tim Southee to Ben Duckett. Length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Wagner.

16 February 2023 02:01

New Zealand vs England

10.5

Tim Southee to Ben Duckett. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Williamson.

16 February 2023 02:00