New Zealand sit comfortably against England in Hamilton Test

Hamilton: A century by Tom Latham followed by a decent spell of fast bowling by Tim Sou thee and Matt Henry have put New Zealand in a strong position in the ongoing second and final Test against England being played at the Sedden Park

After scoring 375 in their first innings, New Zealand had England at 39/2 at Stumps on Day 2, with Rory Burns and skipper Joe Root batting on 24 and 6 respectively.

Earlier, starting the day at 173/3, the Black Caps lost Latham early as he could add just four runs to his overnight score before being clean bowled by Stuart Broad. Henry Nicholls also couldn’t stay long as he was dismissed on his individual score of 16.

However, BJ Watling, who became New Zealand’s first wicket-keeper to score a Test double hundred in Mount Maunganui, continued from where he left and scored a patient half-century to put the hosts in the driver’s seat.

Along with Daryl Mitchell, Watling shared a 124-run partnership before he lost his wicket at 55. Mitchell however continued and played a handful knock of 73 runs.

First Test centurion Mitchell Santner and Tim Sou thee made useful contributions of 23 and 18 down the order and helped New Zealand go past the 350-run mark.

Eventually, the hosts were bundled out for 375 in the 130th overs of their innings. Broad was the pick of the England bowlers as he returned with figures of 4/736 in his 28 overs. Chris Woakes picked three wickets while Sam Curran scalped two. Trailing by 375, the visitors didn’t have a great start as they lost opener Dominic Sibley with just 11 runs on the scoreboard. Joe Denly who came in next couldn’t stay long at the crease either and went back to the pavilion after scoring just 4 runs.

Root and Burns then played cautiously and made sure England didn’t lose any more wickets till the end of the day’s play. The hosts, who already have a lead of 336 runs, could have been in a better position had Burns — who was dropped twice — been caught.

Brief scores: New Zealand 1st innings 375 all out (Tom Latham 105, Daryl Mitchell 73; Stuart Broad 4/73), England 39/2 at Stumps on Day 2 (Rory Burns 24*, Joe Root 6*; Matt Henry 1/10) trail by 336 runs. IANS

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