Tea Report: England 364 v New Zealand 57-2

Tea on the second day of the Third Test

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After England extended their innings some 200 runs beyond the total they looked like acquiring and which New Zealand would have preferred, it was the tourists’ turn to display ineptitude.

In reply to 364, they were all too soon 14 for two and in seemingly imminent danger of collapse against a new ball doing just enough. Aaron Redmond played inside one from James Anderson which swerved away and then Brendon McCullum, promoted in the order, essayed a crooked against one that did slightly more.

But that was the extent of England’s inroads in the second session. Jamie How was assiduous in defence, Ross Taylor exhibited some of the verve he showed in Manchester. Anderson lost some of his zest as the spell went on.

New Zealand began to rebuild in some comfort and the threatened rain was reluctant to appear. It was likely to be uphill progress, however, given England’s unexpected total. Stuart Broad made the first of what promises to be many half centuries, taking his score to 67, standing tall at the crease.