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
74.3
Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to short mid wicket for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
74.2
Ollie Robinson to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
73.6
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot slog sweeping, to deep mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Brook.
New Zealand vs England
73.5
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, missed for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
73.4
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, off stump on the back foot working, to mid on for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
73.2
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, off stump on the back foot driving, back to bowler for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
73.1
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, outside off stump down the track Slog, outside edge to third man for 2 runs, fielded by Broad.
New Zealand vs England
72.6
Ollie Robinson to Blair Tickner. Yorker, off stump on the front foot defending, inside edge to leg slip for no runs.
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