NZ Test tour of Eng, June 2-27

[Durhamfootman]

How many times have England asked for a new ball? I'm guessing several. Whenever England struggle to take wickets they usually try to get a new one

[Arthur Crabtree]

Depends on the pitch though. England can chase 200 on a good day 2-3 wicket, assuming the conditions have eased and they don't collapse to the new ball. But England are consistent in doing worse than they might.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pitch didn't look terrible on the highlights.

[Arthur Crabtree]

marvelous insights from Sir Steeley

"I definitely think New Zealand need to sit down at lunch and go 'this is what we need to do'"

no wonder he scored so many runs. I'm sure NZ will be grateful for the advice. I doubt that conversation would ever happen otherwise

Looks like NZ took his advice.

Only a 20 over stand, England shouldn't be panicking!

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think I glimpsed on the highlights that Mitchell has quite an impressive average.

[meninblue]

Finally some batting partnership in this test.

Matt Parkinson hasn't been able to bowl proper line and length.

[meninblue]

No tearaway pace bowler in this bowling lineup. Don't recall any ball over 140 kph by English bowlers.

England missing pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood .Some pace is fun to watch.

[meninblue]

50 each for Daryl and Tom. Well batted .

[Arthur Crabtree]

Afternoon MIB. Not far off the 100 partnership. Big moment in the game.

[meninblue]

Good Afternoon Arthur. Night time here though.

Perhaps the wicket is getting better. There is lack of bounce with many balls remaining below waist and even knee height as well. Ben too is standing far up conpared to how deep keepers stand against pace bowlers. Either due to lack of pace or due to many balls bouncing below waist.

NZ cannot be complacent. Need to pout as many on baord which puts scoreboard pressure during fourth innings. At least 300 or thereabouts.

[meninblue]

What a shot. Two fielders posted in deep , DBSL and Long leg and Daryl hits right through the very small gap. 4 for him.

[meninblue]

NZ lead by 188. Matt back in the attack. Ball is 62 over old. Still a lot of overs to be bowled before England can take the new ball.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Approaching the 150 stand.

England have been hot with the new ball in this game. Should get a few overs tonight.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Actually, they won't get the NB till the morning. I was thinking it was the 1950s.

[meninblue]

Very ordinary bowling by Matt. The length is horribly long . Two full toss in 3 balls

Given the new ball is many overs away, Matt needs to show better display of spin bowling. He needs to bowl a fine spell of spin bowling. Should take on responsibility of at least choking runs if not picking a wicket or two.