Twitter Reactions: BJ Watling's double ton and Mitchell Santner's all round show put New Zealand in sight of win

Riding on BJ Watling’s stunning double century and Mitchell Santner’s century, New Zealand have put themselves in the driver’s seat in the first Test against England. The hosts will need seven more wickets on the final day of the game to register a win. At stumps on day 4, England were reeling at 55 for 3 in their second essay in reply to the Black Caps’ huge first innings total of 615 for 9 (declared).

Trailing by a huge 262 runs, England openers Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley started cautiously. The duo successfully managed to negate New Zealand’s pacers. However, things changed once Kane Williamson introduced spinner Mitchell Santner in the attack. Santner first made Sibley edge one behind the stumps to end the 48-run stand.

In his very next over, he could have had Burns too but Tim Southee spilt a relatively tough chance at mid-wicket. But the left-arm spinner had the last laugh in the duel as he dismissed Burns in his next over after the England opener went for an ambitious sweep shot. And just three balls before the end of the day, Santner struck again to remove nightwatchman Jack Leach to firmly put his side in command.

BJ Watling and Mitchell Santner put England to the sword

Overnight batsmen BJ Watling and Mitchell Santner started day four from where they had left on the previous evening. The two were rarely troubled by the visiting bowlers as they stitched together a huge stand of 261 runs. While Watling went on to score his maiden double ton in Tests, Santner ended up scoring his first-ever Test century.

The two started the day on a cautious note before upping the ante in the second session. Watling made the hosts’ intention clear by upper-cutting Jofra Archer for a six. Santner then hit three fours in an over off Stuart Broad as they started dominating the England bowlers. The left-arm spinner reached his ton when he pulled Ben Stokes to fine leg.

The partnership was finally brought to an end by Sam Curran when the England allrounder dismissed Santner for 126. On the other hand, Watling looked unfazed by his partner’s dismissal as he inched towards a well-deserved double century. He eventually reached the magical figure of 200 when he nudged Joe Root into the gap at square leg.

Watling departed soon after reaching his double century as Archer ended his marathon knock of 205 that came off 473 balls. 12 runs after Watling’s departure, Kane Williamson decided to declare the innings to test the England openers.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: