New Zealand vs England LIVE: Cricket score and updates from second Test
Follow all the action from Cello Basin Reserve
New Zealand head to Wellington hoping to square the series against an England side on a roll.
Since the installation of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as captain and coach at the start of last summer, England have won ten of their eleven games, with an uber-positive approach continuing to pay considerable dividends.
A short tour concludes with the second Test, with New Zealand hoping to hit back after a disappointing showing in the series opener. A bold opening day declaration set up a comprehensive 267-run win for the tourists in Mount Maunganui.
Stokes’ side are likely to face a sterner test in Wellington, but England continue to ride a wave of positivity that has brought a run of ten wins in eleven Tests. The two sides will swap pink balls for red with the only threat to conventional scheduling across five days a slightly worrying weather forecast.
Follow all the latest live coverage of today's match in the live blog below:
New Zealand vs England
England encountered some stubborn New Zealand resistance after enforcing the follow-on in their series-deciding second Test in Wellington, and had Jack Leach to thank for two wickets in the final session.
Captain Ben Stokes sent the hosts straight back in after securing a 226-run first-innings lead on the third morning, but encountered real resolve in the form of an opening stand worth 149 from Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
It took 53 chanceless overs before they were finally parted by Leach, Ollie Pope hanging on to Conway at short-leg, as England rallied after tea to leave New Zealand 202 for three.
The Somerset spinner clean bowled Will Young in classic fashion and Joe Root snared Latham for a well-judged 83, but with the deficit at 24 and seven wickets in hand the Black Caps had fought their way back admirably.
There may yet be some debate over Stokes’ decision to have them follow-on but, although the tactic has fallen out of fashion somewhat in recent years, it fits entirely with his brand of proactive cricket and was surely never in doubt.
New Zealand vs England
82.6
Ollie Robinson to Henry Nicholls. Half volley, middle stump on the front foot flick, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Broad.
New Zealand vs England
82.5
Ollie Robinson to Henry Nicholls. Length ball, off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Foakes.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments