An unbroken 180-run partnership betwen Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell has seen New Zealand take a grip on the first Test with a 227-run lead
Match Report:
ScorecardBlack Caps fight back to gain control of Lord's Test
New Zealand took control of the first Test against England at Lord's after they earned a 227-run lead over the hosts on the second day as Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell produced a formidable middle-order partnership.
The reigning world Test champions were 4-236 at the end of day two, thanks to a 180-run stand between Mitchell (97 not out) and Blundell (90 not out).
Allrounder Mitchell and wicket-keeper batsman Blundell stepped up to put their team back in the contest after New Zealand's top-order, including skipper Kane Williamson (15), failed to make an impact.
Image Id: E163CDB31DD34B3BBA5321CB28911658 Image Caption: Kane Williamson scored 17 runs across his two innings at Lord's // GettyThe pair's resilient performance came as a huge relief to the Black Caps, who were bundled out by England's fast bowlers for 132 in the first innings.
Wickets tumbled on a frantic opening day and in the morning session of day two but things turned calm in the afternoon as New Zealand looked steady with the bat.
The visitors then attacked in the evening session as both Mitchell and Blundell edged closer to centuries, while England were left trying to figure out a game plan.
Mitchell struck 11 boundaries and Blundell had 12 in New Zealand's second innings fightback, which put England under pressure ahead of day three.
Image Id: 2BB7EC67B4184D4BA2DFEBCD32992E34 Image Caption: Ben Stokes bowled himself for eight overs that leaked 43 runs // GettyDebutant Matthew Potts, who took four wickets in the first innings, picked up 2-50, while the returning pace duo of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad also bagged a wicket each.
New captain Ben Stokes also experimented with spin bowling by bringing on Joe Root and Matt Parkinson, who was Jack Leach's concussion replacement, but it led to no success.
Earlier at the start of day two, England were bowled out for 141 in reply to New Zealand's 132, with the hosts earning a mere nine-run lead.
Image Id: E7E189281D9042F48355608395951C13 Image Caption: Debutant leg-spinner Matt Parkinson is still searching for a maiden Test wicket // GettyAfter yet another batting collapse on the opening day, England started the second day on 7-116 but their tail could not survive for long as they were sent packing within half an hour from the start.
England, led by new head coach Brendon McCullum, have won just one of their previous 17 Tests and are aiming to move on from their dismal tours of the Caribbean and Australia.
They will host New Zealand in two more Tests after the contest at Lord's.