Despite captain Tim Southee’s 49-ball 73 in the first innings, the New Zealand team failed to save the follow-on, scoring 202 for three in their second innings on Sunday, the third day of the second Test. In response to England’s 435 for eight, New Zealand were bundled out for 209 in their first innings. England had a lead of 226 runs and the team gave New Zealand the follow-on. New Zealand trail England by 24 runs at stumps with seven wickets remaining.
Former captain Kane Williamson was present at the crease scoring 25 and Henry Nicholls 18 runs. New Zealand started the day at 138 for seven in the first innings. Southee shared a 98-run partnership for the eighth wicket with yesterday’s unbeaten batsman Tom Blundell (38) to take the team’s score past 200. He hit five fours and six sixes in his 49-ball innings. Fast bowler Stuart Broad wrapped up New Zealand’s first innings by taking the remaining two wickets after breaking the partnership.
After being followed on, Tom Latham (83) and Devon Conway (61) got New Zealand off to a great start with a 149-run partnership for the first wicket in the second innings. Latham completed his 26th half-century in 124 balls. During this, he became the seventh New Zealand player to touch the 5000-run mark in Tests as soon as he completed his 45th run. Conway completed his fifty in 121 balls but failed to convert it into a big innings. He was caught by Ollie Pope off the bowling of Jack Leach. Soon after, Joe Root gave England double success by lbw to Latham. Leach then bowled Will Young (eight) to once again put New Zealand under pressure. Williamson, battling poor form, then batted patiently and was well supported by Nicholls at the other end. Williamson has so far faced 81 while Nicholls has faced 70 balls.
