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
3.6
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Half volley, down leg side on the front foot flick, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
3.5
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to extra cover for no runs, fielded by Williamson.
New Zealand vs England
3.5
FOUR! Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed to long on and it was a no ball.
New Zealand vs England
3.4
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
3.3
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, thick edge to gully for no runs, fielded by Nicholls.
New Zealand vs England
3.2
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Out-swinging half volley, off stump on the front foot pushing, back to bowler for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
3.1
Neil Wagner to Ben Duckett. Out-swinging length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Williamson.
New Zealand vs England
2.6
Tim Southee to Ollie Pope. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Blundell.
New Zealand vs England
2.5
OUT! Caught. Tim Southee to Zak Crawley. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump down the track defending, outside edge to third slip, caught by Bracewell.
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