The manner of Kane Williamson’s dismissal and a blow to the head of Henry Nicholls put the maiden Test wicket at Bay Oval under scrutiny with three days to play in the first Test between New Zealand and England on Friday.
In the first Test at the ground, the wicket showed signs of becoming unpredictable late on day two.
Although honours appeared even after the first two days, England believe if the wicket continues to deteriorate then they are in the box seat.
New Zealand go into day three today at 144 for four in reply to England’s first innings 353, but with Williamson and Ross Taylor already dismissed.
Williamson had cruised to 51, reaching his half-century with a boundary off Sam Curran, but fell on the next delivery which unexpectedly reared sharply, forcing the New Zealand skipper to take evasive action and the ball was gloved to second slip.
Nicholls, who was not out 26 at stumps, was felled by a sharp bouncer from Jofra Archer but a medical check showed no immediate sign of concussion, although he will undergo a further examination before resuming today.
Earlier after England resumed the day at 241 for four, Stokes and Ollie Pope advanced the total to 277 when Southee struck with three wickets in 11 balls including the prized scalp of Stokes for 91.
Buttler and Leach forged a late 52-run stand but otherwise there was little England resistance at the bottom of the order.
Southee finished with four for 88 and Wagner took three for 90, while Curran was the pick of England’s bowlers with two for 28.