Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell were both eyeing coveted centuries after New Zealand batted in a commanding position on the second day of the first Test at Lord’s. England,
In a match where bowlers from both sides were at the top, the pair forged an unbroken partnership of 180 World The Test champions scored 236 for four in their second innings at stumps, following a lead of 227 when they came on 56 for four with New Zealand.
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Mitchell was 97 not out and Blundell was 90 not out – the first two fifties of the match – with both now equaling New Zealand’s record fifth-wicket stand. EnglandFounded in 1994 at Lord’s by Martin Crowe and Shane Thomson.
He compiled the first century partnership of the match in classic Test style, displaying a sound defense while punishing anything loose or too full.
Mitchell ended Friday’s game in style, driving off the last ball of the day. England Debutant Matthew Potts, after scoring an unbeaten 102 against Pakistan in Christchurch last year, scored four runs within three runs of his second century in 10 career Tests.
His alliance with wicketkeeper Blundell highlighted how a good pitch was flawless for the fact that 17 wickets had fallen on Thursday.
given EnglandAfter struggling to score 141 in reply to New Zealand’s first innings 132, the visitors may already have enough runs to play, even though there are still three days left in this opening three-Test contest.
– Potts at Double –
Earlier, Potts – who enjoyed a fine comeback of four for 13 in the first innings – struck again before lunch for two for 11 in four overs.
For the second time in the match, the 23-year-old Durham dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson early.
Potts, who needed just five balls on Thursday to claim the star batsman’s scalp as his maiden Test wicket, made a fine lifting delivery, which Williamson could only get past Jonny Bairstow at third slip.
Williamson was dismissed for 15 and New Zealand’s 30 for two was soon reduced to 35 for three when Potts trailed opener Tom Latham for 14.
After lunch, Devon Conway – who made his Test debut last year with a scintillating double century at Lord’s – fell cheap for the second time in the match when a foul ball from Stuart Broad was caught at legside by wicketkeeper Ben Fox.
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But Mitchell, son of former All Blacks rugby coach John Mitchell, hit two fours in successive deliveries with the new ball. England Captain Ben Stokes – An inswinger cut through midwicket and then driven straight off the delivery by the fast bowler all-rounder.
With New Zealand now 90 for four in 32 overs, Stokes called on debut leg-spinner Matt Parkinson for his first bowling in Test cricket.
Parkinson had become EnglandThe latter’s opening substitute was called up from Manchester on Thursday to replace Jack Leach, who fell on his head while saving a boundary.
Parkinson bowled cleanly without threatening any wicket, had helped earlier England Batting at number 11, took a slim lead of nine runs in the first innings.
Blundell hit Potts for the seventh four for four, after tea he completed his half-century in 101 balls, and minutes later, Mitchell chased him to the landmark in 97 balls, including five fours.
Their efforts ensured that the work of new-ball pairing Tim Southee (4 for 55) and left-armer Trent Boult (3 for 21) did not go in vain to bring New Zealand almost level.
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