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
78.4
Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Bouncer, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, missed for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
78.2
Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed to short mid wicket for no runs, shy attempt by Broad.
New Zealand vs England
78.1
Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Half volley, outside off stump moves in front Scoop, well timed in the air under control to fine leg for 2 runs, run save by Leach.
New Zealand vs England
77.6
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, outside edge for 1 run, dropped catch by Foakes, fielded by Root.
New Zealand vs England
77.5
FOUR! Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed past deep backward square leg for 4 runs.
New Zealand vs England
77.4
Ben Stokes to Blair Tickner. Back of a length, outside off stump backing away Fended, Gloved to square leg for 1 run, fielded by Duckett.
New Zealand vs England
77.3
Ben Stokes to Blair Tickner. Short, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to third slip for no runs, fielded by Crawley.
New Zealand vs England
77.1
Ben Stokes to Blair Tickner. Back of a length, outside off stump swayed away Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
76.6
FOUR! Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Slower ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot Slog, thick edge in the air uncontrolled past third man for 4 runs.
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