Williamson’s century helped New Zealand set England a target of 258.
Kane Williamson became New Zealand’s top scorer in Test cricket with his 26th Test century as the hosts set England a target of 258 on the fourth day of the second Test on Monday. Tom Blundell (90) was the last batsman to be dismissed. Williamson (132) and his innings helped New Zealand follow on to 483 in the second innings. In response, England have scored 48 runs for one wicket till the end of the day’s play. The team lost the wicket of Jack Crowley (24) who was bowled by Tim Southee.
At stumps, opener Ben Duckett was playing on 23 while Ollie Robinson was supporting him by scoring one run. England need 210 runs to win with nine wickets remaining. The visitors are favorites to win but Williamson has given New Zealand a hope. Earlier in the day’s first over, Williamson went past his former teammate Ross Taylor’s highest score of 7682 runs for New Zealand when he hit James Anderson for a four at mid-wicket to reach the 29-run mark.
After scoring just 10 runs in the last three innings of the series, Williamson looked in fine touch and showed why he is the team’s number one batsman in difficult situations. England declared the first innings by scoring 435 runs for eight wickets, in response to which New Zealand’s team could only score 209 runs and was forced to follow on. New Zealand started the day at 202 for three and were 24 runs behind England’s first innings score.
Williamson and Henry Nicholls (29) propelled the innings. Ollie Robinson ended the 55-run fourth wicket partnership when Nicholls was caught by Harry Brook in the slips. At this time the New Zealand team was four runs behind England. After supporting Williamson, Daryl Mitchell landed who showed aggressive attitude. At this time Williamson was playing on 34 but Mitchell overtook him to complete his half-century in 52 balls with a six off spinner Jack Leach. Williamson scored his 34th half-century in 148 balls.
Mitchell, however, lofted Stuart Broad’s short delivery to Joe Root, which ended the 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Williamson and Blundell did not let the team suffer further setbacks till lunch. England captain Ben Stokes did everything possible to get Williamson out. He eventually passed the ball for the first time in Test cricket to Harry Brook who, not disappointing his captain, had Williamson caught by wicket-keeper Ben Foakes.
Williamson faced 282 balls and hit 12 fours in his innings of more than seven hours. It didn’t take long for New Zealand’s innings to collapse after Williamson’s dismissal. Michael Bracewell (08) was run out while Jack Leach (5/157) dismissed Southee (02) and Matt Henry (0) in the same over. Leach ended New Zealand’s innings by having Blundell caught by Root. He hit nine fours while facing 166 balls.
