England reduced New Zealand to 138/7 at stumps on Day 2 of the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, thanks to three wickets each from James Anderson and Jack Leach.
Following a top-order collapse, Tom Blundell and captain Tim Southee were unbeaten on 25 and 23, respectively. Earlier, the visitors declared their innings on 435/8, with marathon knocks from Harry Brook and Joe Root. On Day 2, England resumed their innings at 315/3, with Harry Brook (184*) and Joe Root (101*) unbeaten at the crease. Harry Brook hit 184 not out to put England firmly in control of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Friday. Joe Root was unbeaten on a classy 101 as the tourists romped to 315-3 before rain cut the first day of the series decider short.
New Zealand is trailing by 297 runs and has three wickets in hand. It’s safe to say England will take a huge lead, and the hosts may be asked to follow suit. And, as it did on day 1, rain had the last laugh in the final hour of day 2.
The action will begin early to cover up the lost overs, so the first ball will be bowled at 3 am IST (9.30 pm GMT, Previous Day).