NZvsENG: New Zealand are struggling in the second Test against England at home. In the first innings, the score was low, but then it recovered. But the danger of defeat is still looming.
First Published Feb 26, 2023, 4:15 PM IST
New Zealand recovered in the second Test against England in Wellington. As part of the two-test series, the team that failed miserably in batting in the first test was criticized for the same play in the first innings of the second test. The team was bowled out for 209 runs in the first innings. With this, England played the Kiwis on follow-on. But in the second innings, the New Zealand batters stood firm. At the end of the third day, the team followed on and scored 202 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.
Captain Tim Southee (73 off 49 balls, 5 fours, 6 sixes) supported the Kiwis who started the game at 138-7 on the third day. The team was bowled out for 209 runs in the first innings due to Southee’s struggle. Kiwis openers Tom Latham (83) and Devon Conway (61) added 149 runs for the first wicket in the second innings.
Latham and Conway effectively countered England’s bowling attack. The pair were separated by Jack Leach. On the fifth ball of his 52nd over, Conway gave a catch to Olly Pope. Latham got out as an lb in a short time on the route bowling. Leach also sent Will Young (8) to the pavilion. By the end of the third day, Kiwis scored 202 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.
Kiwis former Test captain Kane Williamson (25 off 81 balls, 2 fours) and Henry Nicholas (18 not out off 70 balls) are at the crease. The longer these two stay on the fourth day, the more chances the Kiwis will have to save the match in this Test. In the current situation, it is exaggerated for the Kiwis to fight for victory, but the team, which has already lost the first Test, must bat as long as possible on the fourth day to avoid losing this Test as well.
Earlier in the first innings, England scored 435 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 87.1 overs. Harry Brook (186) and Joe Root (153) hit the mark with centuries.
