New Zealand vs England, 1st Test Day 2: Blundell century leads New Zealand fightback

A stunning century by Tom Blundell propelled New Zealand to a first innings of 306 and back into contention in the first Test against England at Mount Maunganui on Day 2.

                            

Match Summary     

New Zealand vs England, 1st Test, England tour of New Zealand

New Zealand 306/10 (82.5 ov)

England 325/9d (58.2 ov) & *79/2 (16 ov)

Day Break : Day 2 England lead by 98 runs

Scorecard

Wicketkeeper Blundell blasted a career-best 138 on day two of the day-night Test at the Bay Oval, resurrecting his side from a precarious 83-5 after England declared at 325-9 on Thursday.

The tourists hold a 19-run lead but were to face an awkward final hour under lights, a period when wickets traditionally tumble against the pink ball – England finished the day 79/2, losing both openers, with a lead of 98 runs.

Blundell's fourth Test ton, off 181 balls and featuring 19 fours and one six, was a mix of improvisation and power.

It also continued the 32-year-old's prolific form of the last year, having scored 383 runs during last June's 3-0 series loss in England, at an average of 76.6.

Blundell shared a 75-run partnership with opener Devon Conway (77) but just as valuable were late stands with debut bowlers Scott Kuggeleijn and Blair Tickner, of 53 and 59 respectively.

Number 11 Tickner contributed three runs as Blundell advanced from 80 to three figures, accompanied by roars from the home crowd under a setting sun, before he was the last wicket to fall, caught and bowled by James Anderson.

The wicket was historically significant for Anderson, who is on the verge of setting a world-record alongside long-time new ball partner Stuart Broad.

The pair have taken 1,001 wickets between them in the 133 Tests they have played together, dating back 16 years.

The pair sit level with Australian greats Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, who achieved 1,001 wickets in 104 Tests played together.

The 1,000 mark was reached early on Friday when nightwatchman Wagner was fooled by a slower ball by Broad (1-72), having heaved him for successive sixes off the two previous deliveries.

Anderson finished with 3-36 while Ollie Robinson claimed 4-54, his highlight a scything in-ducker that trapped Daryl Mitchell for a duck.

Conway started New Zealand's fightback but lost concentration against a relentless barrage of short bowling from England captain Ben Stokes (1-38) and stabbed a pull shot straight to square leg.

 

Match Stats

England 1^st Innings Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Zak Crawley - 2.5 ov), 2-117 (Ben Duckett - 18.6 ov), 3-152 (Ollie Pope - 26.5 ov), 4-154 (Joe Root - 27.2 ov), 5-209 (Ben Stokes - 37.5 ov), 6-298 (Harry Brook - 54.1 ov), 7-305 (Stuart Broad - 55.2 ov), 8-319 (Ben Foakes - 56.2 ov), 9-325 (Jack Leach - 58.2 ov)

New Zealand 1^st Innings Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Tom Latham - 4.3 ov), 2-23 (Kane Williamson - 11.2 ov), 3-31 (Henry Nicholls - 13.3 ov), 4-82 (Neil Wagner - 24.4 ov), 5-83 (Daryl Mitchell - 27.3 ov), 6-158 (Devon Conway - 50.6 ov), 7-182 (Michael Bracewell - 55.3 ov), 8-234 (Scott Kuggeleijn - 68.2 ov), 9-247 (Tim Southee - 70.6 ov), 10-306 (Tom Blundell - 82.5 ov)

England 2nd Innings Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Ben Duckett - 9.2 ov) , 2-68 (Zak Crawley - 13.4 ov)

    

 

Playing XIs

New Zealand - Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(wk), Michael Bracewell, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tim Southee(c), Neil Wagner, Blair Tickner

England - Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(wk), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson

 

Match Details

Start Time: 01:00

Toss: New Zealand won the toss and decided to field

Venue: Bay Oval, Tauranga

Officials: Aleem Dar, Christopher Gaffaney, Rodney Tucker, Christopher Brown, David Boon

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