Day 2 report New Zealand vs England 1st test
After an entertaining first day, day two was more of an attritional affair, with Tom Blundell having his moment in the Bay Oval sun. He compiled an impressive 138 and rescued his side from the peril imposed on them by England’s accurate seamers.
New Zealand resumed on 37-3 with Blundell and nightwatchman, Neil Wagner, batting but Wagner was soon dismissed by the headband-wearing Stuart Broad. It was an entertaining innings, with sixes, a dismissal off a no-ball and some frustration for the tourists.
A key moment in the game came when England’s nemesis of the 2022 summer, Daryl Mitchell came to the crease. Ten balls later and without scoring, he was pinned leg-before-wicket without offering a shot and returned to the dressing room.
With his departure, England had New Zealand 83-5 and 83-5 became 306 all out.
This was largely down to Tom Blundell, the Black Caps’ wicketkeeper, who, pieced together a vital, patient century for his team despite wickets falling around him. He helped the hosts score 124 for the last three wickets, adding 53 with Scott Kuggeleijn and 59 with Blair Tickner.
Eventually, he was dismissed by Anderson as he spooned an easy catch to Ollie Robinson and the hosts’ innings ended but not without some frustration for England. Once again, Ollie Robinson proved his worth as he took 4-54. Since he returned from injury, he has injected new life into the England bowling line up and is now showcasing his skills abroad as well at home.
Then it came to England batting again and the openers reached 50-0 in just 52 balls and giving their side another fast start. Both were shortly dismissed soon after: Crawley for 28 and Duckett for 25. Crawley needs a good score in the second test.
This brought Ollie Pope and Stuart Broad, the ‘Nighthawk’, together at the crease. Unlike a traditional nightwatchman, Broad slogged and heaved his way to 6 not out. This included a rather comical moment with the ‘Nighthawk’ flaying one straight up into the air and neither keeper Blundell nor bowler Kuggeleijn managing to catch it.
Broad and Pope, who finished on 14 not out, survived till the close and left their team with a lead of 98. They will hope to use their characteristic aggression, stretch that to an imposing lead of dominance and then put pressure on New Zealand’s top order.
Despite Blundell’s century, the tourists are still on top and will back themselves to win from this position.
The opportunity to score quickly on day three and have the hosts batting under lights tomorrow evening is too enticing to pass up. And Stokes and McCullum will know that.
N Rowland Sports Writer 
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