Stoneman, Vince put England in solid position to win Christchurch Test

Posted on Apr 1 2018 - 8:23pm by cricketherald

England have moved into the driver’s seat in the NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch, by stretching their overall lead to 231 runs on Sunday with seven wickets in hand.

The match was well balanced after the Kiwis did extremely well to keep England’s first innings lead to just the 29 runs. Starting the third day’s play at 192 for 6, New Zealand went on to score 278 thanks to Tim Southee’s brilliant 50 from just 48 balls, who was helped by Neil Wagner (24*) and Trent Boult (16). Overnight batsman BJ Watling was bowled by James Anderson for 85.

Related Links : Eng Tour of NZ Schedule | Scorecard of NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch

For England, Stuart Broad took 6 for 54 while his new ball partner took the remaining four wickets in the Kiwi first innings.

New Zealand struck early with the new ball as Trent Boult once again having the better of Alastair Cook, dismissing him for 14 in the ninth over. However, the Kiwis’ joy was short lived as opener Mark Stoneman and James Vince took away the initiative from the hosts with their half centuries. While Mark Stoneman scored 60 from 139 balls, James Vince scored 76 from 128 balls.

By stumps, New Zealand could get both the well-set batsmen but were left frustrated again as England captain Joe Root (30*) and Dawid Malan (19) put up a decent partnership to take the visitors to 202 for 3 in 66 overs.

England would be hoping to leave the Kiwis with a target of at least 300 which could help them draw the 2-match Test series 1-1. In the first Test, which was a day/night affair at Auckland, England were decimated for 58 all out on the first day, leaving them no chance to save the match despite rain interruptions.