New Zealand vs England 1st Test Day 2 Highlights

We are back for New Zealand's reply. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Devon Conway are the two openers for New Zealand. Chris Woakes has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

... THIRD INNINGS ...

Right then, with a scintillating batting display, the Kiwis have been put under the pump and it is all about how they react under pressure with the bat. England, bossing the game currently will aim to get quick wickets and prevent the Kiwis from making even the slightest bit of comeback. New Zealand are well and truly behind the eight ball and it will require the batting of the highest quality from the batters to surpass England's lead. Although, the batting conditions are pretty good as the deck has flattened out, but they will be up against an elevated English side. Stick around for New Zealand's reply with the bat.

But as deep as England bats, it only furthered New Zealand's frustration as Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes then formed an alliance adding brisk 40 runs with Carse being the aggressor. Amid all the aggressive assault, Matt Henry emerged as the most successful bowler as he snagged a 3-fer, while Nathan Smith, although quite expensive too got three to his name. Overall, it was a tough stint with the ball for New Zealand as the fielders didn't complement the chances they created early on. As many as six catches were dropped which only added to their frustrations. It was coupled with the propulsion that came with crucial cameos from England's lower middle order.

England found themselves in a precarious position early in their innings, losing both openers and struggling at 71 for 4. However, the partnership between Harry Brook and Ollie Pope proved crucial as they steadied the ship, navigating through some challenging moments. Brook was particularly fortunate, receiving four reprieves, while Ben Stokes also enjoyed a lifeline after Pope's dismissal. Brook's remarkable innings of 171 showcased his resilience and skill. New Zealand bowlers could not benefit from the new ball as the movement remained very minimal and not that troublesome on the third day morning. Though Matt Henry eventually removed Brook, the damage was already done. Just when New Zealand thought they were regaining control with two quick wickets, Gus Atkinson's unexpected batting prowess further strengthened England's position, helping them secure the lead.

Can we call it an anti-climax? Not quite sure. England end up just one run short of 500. And by all means, they have bossed up the proceedings here at the Hagley Oval. Critics might argue that England's batters should have displayed more patience early into their innings when they struggled, particularly when the ball was doing tricks, but their aggressive approach perfectly encapsulates the essence of their Bazball philosophy. While traditional cricket wisdom would suggest a more cautious stance, England's commitment to their attacking brand of cricket remains unwavering, for better or worse.

OUT! TAKEN! Matt Henry sees Bashir stepping out of the crease and bashes it on the back of a length and keeps the line of attack just around the off stump. Bashir is nowhere near getting the connection right, but he goes through for a wild hoick across the line to take the aerial route. Ends up getting a top-edge that swirls the ball up in the air. It hangs up in the mid-wicket region for quite a bit. Tim Southee backtracks it and holds onto it and takes a sensational sliding catch. England finish at 499, with a lead of 151 runs.

Full this time, on off, Shoaib Bashir turns it to square leg for one.

FOUR! Streaky but they will happily take it! Length, outside off, Shoaib Bashir looks to block it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball goes past the slip fielder and races away.

Much fuller, on off, Shoaib Bashir defends it soldily.

Short, on off, Shoaib Bashir looks to pull it but gets beaten.

Full, on middle, Shoaib Bashir flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

SIX! What a shot! Touch short, on off, Brydon Carse hangs back and powers it magnificently over long on for a biggie.

Length, with some extra bounce, just outside off. Brydon Carse swings hard but misses.

Much fuller, on leg, Brydon Carse knocks it down the ground for a brace.

Short, outside off, Brydon Carse swings hard but misses.

Full, on off, Brydon Carse knocks it to long off. Denies for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Brydon Carse looks to pull it but misses.

Past the edge! Length, outside off, shaping away. Shoaib Bashir looks to block it but gets beaten.

Short, outside off, Brydon Carse taps it to backward point for one.