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
52.2
FOUR! Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed to deep square leg and it was a no ball.
New Zealand vs England
52.1
Ben Stokes to Tom Blundell. Short, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, missed for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
New Zealand vs England
51.6
Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump down the track Slog, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to deep mid wicket for 2 runs, fielded by Crawley.
New Zealand vs England
51.5
FOUR! Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump down the track driving, well timed in the air under control past long on for 4 runs.
New Zealand vs England
51.4
Jack Leach to Michael Bracewell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.
New Zealand vs England
51.3
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, well timed to deep backward point for 3 runs, run save by Crawley.
New Zealand vs England
51.2
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Duckett.
New Zealand vs England
51.1
Jack Leach to Tom Blundell. Stock ball half volley, off stump on the front foot working, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Anderson.
New Zealand vs England
50.6
OUT! Caught. Ben Stokes to Devon Conway. Short, down leg side on the back foot pulling, mis-timed in the air uncontrolled to square leg, caught by Pope.
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