England vs New Zealand, 1st Test Day 2: LIVE Score Updates

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

Kiwi seamers trigger middle-order collapse - Dark clouds hovered over the ground as New Zealand’s seamers made full use of the conditions, ripping through England from 126/2 to 127/6. Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke did the bulk of the damage with three wickets in consecutive overs, dragging the Kiwis back into the contest. Jamie Smith then counter-attacked with a quick 31, with Atkinson offering support as England reached Tea without further loss and tightened their grip on the game. New Zealand will aim to wrap things up quickly in the final session, while England look to add crucial runs and set a testing target for the visitors. Join us in a bit to catch all the action of the final session.

Early drama sets the tone - Things began in dramatic fashion as Matt Henry struck Emilio Gay in front, only for the decision to go the batter’s way and New Zealand to miss a review they soon regretted, with Ball Tracking showing three reds. Devon Conway then put down Jacob Bethell, and England cashed in on the lifelines, with Gay bringing up a classy maiden fifty at Lord’s. The pair added a crucial 47-run stand to steady the innings, before Bethell’s stay was ended by a delivery from Matt Henry that stayed alarmingly low and left him with little chance to respond.

Tea, Day 2! A gripping session of Test cricket unfolded after the drinks break, with momentum swinging quickly on a surface that continues to challenge batters. Despite a middle-order collapse, England have edged ahead and stretched their lead to 193 runs, a strong advantage on a pitch where run-making remains difficult. With conditions still favouring the bowlers, England now hold a firm grip on the contest heading into the final phase.

Slightly shorter again, on leg, Jamie Smith stands tall and blocks it back to the bowler. That will be Tea Break on Day 2.

Back of a length, on middle, Jamie Smith blocks it to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! Brilliant from Jamie Smith! Much fuller, just outside off, Jamie Smith goes forward and knocks it down through mid off. The fielder chases but the ball wins the race.

Good length, outside off, Jamie Smith leaves it alone.

FOUR! Beautifully timed through the cover! Hard length, on off, Jamie Smith takes a step forward and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Hard length, on off, Jamie Smith blocks it to mid on.

Oh! A yorker, down the leg side, Gus Atkinson fails to get his bat down in time and wears it on his shoes. A loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. Tom Latham sends it upstairs to have a check. Ball Tracking shows that the ball was pitching outside leg. The on-field decision stands NOT OUT.

A tad fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson blocks it back to the bowler.

Short again, on off, Gus Atkinson hops a bit and blocks it to short cover.

Bangs it short, on leg, Gus Atkinson ducks under it.

Slows it up, on off, Jamie Smith punches it to left of cover for a single.

Good length, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith blocks it to mid on.

A tad fuller, on off, Gus Atkinson blocks it to the left of the bowler.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Gus Atkinson eases it to the mid on fielder.

On the stumps, a tad fuller, Jamie Smith taps it down the ground for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Jamie Smith leaves it alone. The ball hits the keeper's glove and rolls towards the slip fielder.