England pushed their advantage to 116 runs over New Zealand by reaching tea at 91-2 in its second innings on the third day Saturday of the first Test at lord’s.
Joe Root, promoted ahead of Ian Bell, was 28 not out and Jonathan Trott 25 in a pair of focused, chanceless innings. They combined for 50 off 15 overs, a cracking pace in the context of the match.
After two days of being edged by New Zealand, England was taking charge as the grey skies began to clear halfway through a match which was becoming more absorbing.
Thanks to a significant 25-run lead on the first innings, England was looking to give itself at least the last four sessions to bowl out New Zealand, weather permitting.
Especially after New Zealand’s first innings lasted less than three and was over before lunch on Saturday.
New Zealand, resuming on 153-4, was dismissed for 207. Fast bowlers Steve Finn and Stuart Broad turned up on Saturday to give James Anderson the support they failed to offer the day before, and they took New Zealand’s last six wickets while conceding only 54 runs.
Anderson added two more to finish with 5-47, his 13th career five-for.
Brief Scores
England: 232 (J Bairstow 41; Tim Southee 4-58) and 91-2 (Root 28 no) lead NZ: 207 (Kane Williamson 60; J Anderson 5-47, Steven Finn 4-63) by 116 runs at tea on Day 3.