Twitter Reactions: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell's stunning partnership puts New Zealand in commanding position
England was bowled out for just 141 in their first innings at the start of Day 2 at Lord's to lead by nine runs.
An enthralling first-day action at the Lord’s saw New Zealand batting first after winning the toss, and the decision did not prove to be that fruitful as they were bundled for 132 in their first innings. England was cruising at one stage when they started their reply in the first innings, however, a flurry of wickets towards the back end of the innings saw the Kiwis come back strong at the end of the day.
Earlier, England resumed day two at 116 for 7 trailing by 16 runs, and Tim Southee managed to clean up Stuart Broad with a full delivery after the hosts added just 9 runs on the day. Ben Foakes soon followed him by knicking one to Daryl Mitchell for just seven off the bowling of Southee again. Matthew Parkinson was the last wicket to fall for England as he perished for 8 while James Anderson remained unbeaten on 7 with the scoreboard reading 141 in 42.5 overs.
Southee was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis with a four-wicket haul while Boult picked up three in the innings as England led by just 9 runs at the end of the first innings. The visitors in their second innings, came out with a gritty mindset to stay long but Will Young (1) yet again faltered soon against the bowling of James Anderson in just the third over of the innings. Kane Williamson (15) and Tom Latham (14) took their time early, but could not stitch a big partnership as Matty Potts got rid of both the batters.
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell play the rescue act for New Zealand
Conway could manage just 13 off 34 balls as Broad picked him up in the 23rd over, to leave the Kiwis at 56 for 4. The inexperienced middle of Daryl Mitchell (97*) and Tom Blundell (90*) stitched an excellent partnership of 180 for the fifth wicket and got back the visitors in the driver’s seat. Both batters reached their half-centuries as England bowlers could not find breakthroughs and the pair took advantage in the final session.
In the end, the Kiwis ended day two at 236 for 4 in 79 overs and lead by 227 runs with 6 wickets in hand. The England bowlers will have to come up with better ideas on day three, as New Zealand seemed to have taken the driver’s seat now.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Day two ‘s play between New Zealand and England
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