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
55.3
OUT! Caught. Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump down the track driving, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to mid on, caught by Stokes.
New Zealand vs England
55.2
Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Brook.
New Zealand vs England
55.1
Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
54.6
Ben Stokes to Michael Bracewell. Back of a length, down leg side ducked padded, hit helmet to point for 1 run, fielded by Brook.
New Zealand vs England
54.5
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Back of a length, down leg side on the back foot glancing, to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Root.
New Zealand vs England
54.4
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump no foot movement Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
54.3
Ben Stokes to Michael Bracewell. Short, down leg side on the back foot defending, to silly point for 1 run, fielded by Brook.
New Zealand vs England
54.2
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, to fine leg for 1 run, shy attempt by Root, fielded by Anderson.
New Zealand vs England
54.1
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump no foot movement Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments