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
5.3
Blair Tickner to Ollie Pope. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
5.2
Blair Tickner to Ben Duckett. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, mis-timed to backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Conway.
New Zealand vs England
5.1
Blair Tickner to Ben Duckett. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot glancing, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
4.6
Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to point for no runs, fielded by Conway.
New Zealand vs England
4.5
FOUR! Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump down the track flick, well timed past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
New Zealand vs England
4.4
Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump down the track flick, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Kuggeleijn.
New Zealand vs England
4.3
Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to point for no runs, fielded by Conway.
New Zealand vs England
4.2
Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
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