England counter-punch after Tom Blundell century drags Black Caps back into test

Day 2, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui: England 325-9 from 58.2 overs declared (Harry Brook 89 from 68; Neil Wagner 4-82, Tim Southee 2-71) and 79-2 from 16 overs (Zak Crawley 28; Scott Kuggeleijn 1-2) lead New Zealand 306 from 82.5 overs (Tom Blundell 138 from 181, Devon Conway 77 from 151; Ollie Robinson 4-54, James Anderson 3-36) by 98 runs.

Punch and counter-punch.

Tom Blundell struck his fourth test century to drag New Zealand right back into the contest, only for England’s aggressive openers to seize back much of the initiative under the lights at Bay Oval on Friday night.

Indeed, no sooner had Blundell struck a career-best 138 from 181 balls to spearhead the Black Caps to 306 and the visitors were adding quick-runs to their 19-run first innings lead.

They’ll resume on 79-2 on Saturday afternoon, 98 runs ahead and with plenty of firepower at their disposal when batting conditions will be prime.

Nevertheless, despite New Zealand’s erratic bowling attack again coming under fire before openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed late in the piece, Friday was Blundell’s day.

The 32-year-old, who along with Daryl Mitchell held New Zealand together during their wretched tour of England last year, reached his milestone shortly after No 11 and debutant Blair Tickner barely clamped down on an Ollie Robinson yorker destined for his poles.

Blundell then went into attack-mode, peppering the boundary and turning the heat back on the visibly rattled tourists, who at one stage entertained thoughts of holding a 100-plus first innings lead.

He struck 19 fours and a six, and shared a 75-run partnership with Devon Conway and a 53-run stand with Scott Kuggeleijn to frustrate the Brendon McCullum-coached English even before he and Tickner combined for 59.

Outside being given out caught behind on 74 – he promptly reviewed and the decision was reversed – Blundell’s only heart in mouth moment on his way to 100 was a shanked heave off Leach, one which barely found grass.

New Zealand’s approach with willow in hand was, for the most part, anything like that of England’s free-flowing way the previous day, replaced by a gritty and determined method, one which allowed punters to kick back, catch their breaths and watch traditional test match batting.

Conway, dropped at slip by Crawley when he had nine runs to his name late on day one, struck a well compiled 77 from 151 balls, crucial runs after the Black Caps slumped to 83-5 when Mitchell shouldered arms to a Robinson delivery and was plumb lbw.

However, Conway looked like he needed a bucket after his dismissal to a Ben Stokes bouncer, one he lamely paddled straight to Ollie Pope at square leg to leave his side 158-6.

Conway, having shown no interest in taking evasive action to Stokes’ Neil Wagner-like barrage of short bowling after lunch, had looked so at ease as New Zealand nibbled away at the deficit.

The big moment

It’s hard to look past Kuggeleijn and Blundell inexplicably allowing a skied Stuart Broad pull shot to fall harmlessly between them late in the day. The nightwatchman’s wicket would have reduced England to 69-3 and, more importantly, given them a crack at Joe Root before stumps.

Best with the bat

Tom Blundell, the man who showed some real BJ Watling traits when the Black Caps desperately needed it. He was more than just grit, though, his late hitting, which included a lovely scoop, was dynamite.

Best with the ball

Ollie Robinson, the big seamer who is so proficient at running in and repeatedly hitting a good length. Included in his 4-54 from 19 overs was the big scalp of Mitchell, the man who caused England a ton of angst last year.

The big picture

Advantage England. But a couple of early wickets on day three would swing things back the hosts’ way. The big question is: Can the Black Caps’ bowlers, particularly Neil Wagner, find some much-needed consistency and build pressure?