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
65.4
James Anderson to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, mis-timed to mid on for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
65.3
James Anderson to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to cover for no runs, fielded by Duckett.
New Zealand vs England
65.2
James Anderson to Tom Blundell. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to long on for 2 runs.
New Zealand vs England
65.1
APPEAL! James Anderson to Tom Blundell. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, inside edge for no runs, fielded by Foakes, appeal made for Caught.
New Zealand vs England
64.6
Stuart Broad to Scott Kuggeleijn. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
64.5
Stuart Broad to Scott Kuggeleijn. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to silly mid off for no runs, fielded by Stokes.
New Zealand vs England
64.4
Stuart Broad to Scott Kuggeleijn. Half volley, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly mid off for no runs, fielded by Stokes.
New Zealand vs England
64.3
Stuart Broad to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to backward point for 1 run, fielded by Crawley.
New Zealand vs England
64.2
Stuart Broad to Tom Blundell. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to point for no runs, fielded by Crawley.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments