NZ vs ENG: Ollie Pope's acrobatic efforts leave New Zealand batters dazed on Day 2
Nicholls was left stunned when Pope, fielding at short leg grabbed a stunner to put an end to his innings.
England's Ollie Pope turned out to be an absolute livewire on the field on Day 2 of the ongoing Test between hosts New Zealand and England at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
After posting 435/8d on the board, England were in the hunt for quick wickets, and they got the same on Day 2 and have reduced the hosts to 138/7 in just 42 overs. Traditionally, it's rare to see a finger spinner dominate the proceedings on Day 2 in New Zealand but it wasn't the case this time around as England's left-arm orthodox bowler Jack Leach was in control on Day 2 and made life extremely difficult for the Kiwi batters in the middle.
He bagged three scalps to put England on top and had Pope by his side as the latter pulled off some stunners while fielding next to the batters at silly point and short leg.
The first batter who fell prey to Pope's acrobatic effort turned out to be Henry Nicholls. In the 25th over of New Zealand's first innings, Nicholls attempted a reverse sweep off Leach's bowling but unfortunately for Nicholls the ball took the slice of his willow and then ricocheted off his helmet. Nicholls was left stunned when Pope, fielding at short leg grabbed a stunner to put an end to his innings.
On the other hand, Pope was again seen in action when he pouched a one handed screamer to mystify Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell went for a forward defensive prod off Leach's bowling and anticipating the same Pope stretched his right hand wide and plucked an unbelieveable take out of thin air.
New Zealand are currently languishing at 138 for the loss of seven wickets. Their only hopes are Tom Blundell (25*) and Tim Southee (23*). The hosts are currently behind by 297 runs and the duo needs to bat really well to bail the home team out of crisis. The visitors look in command of the situation.
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