NZ Test tour of Eng, June 2-27

[sussexpob]

Pope particularly.needa to cash in on this luck. A few wild top edges, one drop....he's to.mame this pay as his career is on the line

[bigfluffylemon]

Well, they are both still there at close, which is more than I expected. As Sussex says, need to cash in tomorrow. There are runs to be had on this wicket.

[alfie]

Settling down to watch day three with some trepidation...

Kiwis made the most of being sent in and given a few extra lives...553 a decent total , and in good time. Mitchell and Blundell

Might have wanted more than one scalp - should have had more but have apparently caught England's butterfingers ; good for Pope and Lees. Crawley disappoints again ; though in fairness he got a cracking good ball from Boult.

These two played some good cricket mixed in with the errors late yesterday...hoping they will be a bit more controlled today. Runs are there , for batsmen once they're set.

But England need a lot of runs...

[sussexpob]

Both batters were handed a start by drops, so its hard to judge where England are now. I have a feeling the pitch is flattened a little, so both these batters need to play themselves in and go on. Obviously the follow on target is the primary one.... England are unlikely to win with 550 on the board already, so they do need to buckle down and take time out the match. Leave New Zealand to bat again and pondering when to set a target.

[sussexpob]

Pope continues to live dangerously. Edge falls short, and follows it up by a bit of an aimless waft in counter attack. Concentrate lad...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Boult the pick of the bowlers yesterday (from highlights). Sounds like some swing around this morning.

[sussexpob]

Lee's throws it away with a poor shot. He'd done pretty well to that point...

[sussexpob]

Well he's rode his luck, but he has made it pay in the end. Well done Ollie Pope....wouldn't it be nice if he could finally go on and do his talent justice now

[Arthur Crabtree]

A ton at number three. Might be a while since anyone but Root has done that.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Crawley two years ago got 267 v Pakistan.

In the last seven years:
Root- 4
Crawley-1
Bairstow-1.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Averages at three in that period.

https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engin ... pe=batting

[bigfluffylemon]

Root

[sussexpob]

Over to Jonny. Runs out there to be had, no better chance for him to make his mark

[sussexpob]

I literally posted that as the ball thundered on his pad.....I'd say I'd cursed him, but his own lack of talent does that well enough

How many chances at the last chance saloon for JB?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Maybe new ball gives him an excuse. But a great time to come to the crease otherwise.