New Zealand’s top order rode an easy pitch and luck to finish only 87 runs behind England after bowling out the host for 389 on the second day of the first test at lord’s on Friday. A century opening stand by Martin Guptill and Tom latham (in pic), followed by another century partnership between No. 3 Kane Williamson and No. 4 Ross Taylor, three of whom scored half-centuries, ensured New Zealand rubbed out the intimidation factor of England’s total.
In fact, with the luxury of a deep batting lineup, and wicketkeeper BJ Watling receiving extended rest for his badly bruised right knee, New Zealand was in position to think of a decent first-innings lead. Williamson was 92 not out, closing in on his 10th test century, and Taylor on 47 in leading New Zealand to stumps on 303-2.
While the second day wasn’t as riveting as the first, the Kiwis turned the table on England with batting that was focused and fast-paced, dishing back what England gave them on day one. Guptill was on 24 when he was caught at first slip, but video replay showed newcomer Mark Wood overstepped. After lunch, latham was dropped on 21, his edge off Ben Stokes flying through Ian Bell’s hands at second slip.
The openers made England pay, hitting some streaky boundaries and finding slim gaps, but plowing on, becoming bolder as innings went on. Stuart Broad was gifted a wicket by Guptill. Moeen Ali broke the spell cast by New Zealand, on 148. latham missed trying to work the leg side and was trapped for 59.
Brief Scores
England: 389 (Joe Root 98, Ben Stokes 92; Trent Boult 4/79, Matt Henry 4/93), lead NZ: 303/2 (Kane Williamson 92*) by 86 runs.