Eng Test tour of NZ, Feb 16-28

[Arthur Crabtree]

Early wicket for Jimmy the Saint.

[bigfluffylemon]

I guess that's what you want from the declaration.

[bigfluffylemon]

Jimmy again! The big wicket of Kane.

For some reason I thought that was Root's first ton in NZ, but apparently it's his second.

He still never has an away ton v Australia. Or Pakistan or Bangladesh (but to be fair, England never play Bangladesh, so there's not much opportunity).

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cool Hand Kane seems to be losing his way.

[bigfluffylemon]

Good job New Zealand lengthened their batting line up with Young . Jimmy strikes again.

Now can NZ get out of a hole like England?

[bigfluffylemon]

Cool Hand Kane seems to be losing his way.

Because he's in my fantasy team...

[bigfluffylemon]

Some very sharp catching and a couple of poor shots from New Zealand, and they crumble to 103/7.

I still do not rate Bracewell at all, and he's done nothing this series to change my mind so far. He did bag a couple but only as England were throwing the bat, and was totally unable to lend any control earlier in the innings. Now he gives his wicket away.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Nice to see Jack Leach get a few first innings wickets.

England Formidable.

[Durhamfootman]

Still, Stokes' decisions have all come off so far, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

next decision looks likely to be enforce or not enforce, unless NZ knuckle down... Blundell is still there after all

Has Stokes had to make that decision yet?

[Durhamfootman]

NZ are off and they're making their intentions known. No prodding about, it's straight into counter attack mode

[Durhamfootman]

Southee on the charge. Seemingly his best test score is 77, so he's well on his way to that target with 53 off 39

[Arthur Crabtree]

Early kick off. Didn't Tim get that 77 v England, in about 30m.

[Durhamfootman]

Southeee is only dealing in sixes atm. That's his 5th 6th

[Arthur Crabtree]

These two have added 92 in 13 overs.

[Durhamfootman]

These two have added 92 in 13 overs.

very England-esque

after being spanked for 19 by Southee in his last over, Leach has just dropped him off Broad's bowling..... but Crawley clings on next ball

Southee still has a test best of 77

Southee will have been fun to watch today, I'd imagine