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47th over: New Zealand 169-7 (Southee 41, Blundell 36) England go up for a review… Southee had moved across his stumps to Robinson for a leg-side whip that didn’t come off. Replays show an inside edge on it, though. Blundell then produces another sublime cover drive for four, seizing upon a fuller delivery from Robinson.
46th over: New Zealand 163-7 (Blundell 31, Southee 40) Leach continues, with Ollie Pope nice and close at silly point to Blundell. He’s not in for Southee, though, who’s obviously going to try and cause some serious damage. Alas, no boundaries off this one.
45th over: New Zealand 159-7 (Blundell 29, Southee 39) Southee gives himself a bit of room for a wallop and smashes Robinson through the covers for four. The bowler closes the over with a sharp bumper that clips Southee’s helmet on its way to Foakes’ gloves. An entertaining start, this.
44th over: New Zealand 155-7 (Southee 35, Blundell 29) Jack Leach gets a go from the other end, and Stokes nearly pulls off a stunner. Leach tosses one up, Southee comes down the track to try and send it over long-on for six, and Stokes, running back from mid-on, gives it everything, covering plenty of ground before unleashing the dive. He can’t nail the grab, though, with the ball trickling away for four. Southee goes straight again moments later, nailing it sweetly for another four. He’s properly going for it, is Tim.
43rd over: New Zealand 146-7 (Southee 26, Blundell 29) Robinson begins with a no ball. Oops. Off the first legitimate delivery, Southee shapes up for a whack, slapping through the covers for three – he may as well go for it. Tom Blundell receives a ripper to start with, Robinson getting the ball to jag away from the right-hander. And then an edge. Blundell prods at one and it drops just short of Brook at third slip. The keeper-batter then produces a gorgeous cover drive, the ball racing away to the boundary.
We’re about to get going. Ollie Robinson’s got the ball, Tim Southee’s on strike. Let’s play!
A happy Jack Leach had a chat with BT ahead of play: “Stokesy and Baz are definitely pushing me to bowl with that freedom and look to take wickets, and I’m still on that journey I feel. Yesterday was a real nice experience and obviously look to keep that going. I guess it’s a new way of thinking, I’m always looking to create chances, I’m really enjoying that side of things.”
News from the ground:
If you want a proper catch-up, here’s Ali Martin’s report from yesterday.
Preamble
Ben and Baz’s show rolls on. Day two brought further joy for England, placing them in total control at Wellington. No, Harry Brook didn’t get his double, but Joe Root had his fun, showing off that reverse-scoop to finish unbeaten on 153 as England declared on 435-8.
The great old-timer then made the fresh cherry dance: James Anderson ripped through the top order with three nick-offs to Ben Foakes, leaving the hosts on 21-3. He’s just ridiculous, isn’t he?
Unfortunately for New Zealand, they struggled to copy England’s homework from the first innings, with Jack Leach (3-45) ensuring there was no middle-order counter-attack. At 138-7, Tim Southee’s men are in all sorts.
Sadly, the weather’s been a bit of a pain these last couple of days, with the rain interrupting proceedings. The forecast today looks better as the day progresses - let’s hope there’s not too much damage in the morning either.
I’ll be here to keep you company regardless of what happens. Feel free to send in an email/slide into my DMs. Go well!
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