England Vs New Zealand: Domination from hosts as New Zealand went five down at stumps on day 3
Rain interrupts Day 3, as England progresses towards defeating New Zealand by a series whitewash as the match progresses at a quick pace. The day stumped with New Zealand creating a lead of 137 runs at a loss of five wickets
Matthew Potts dismissed Kane Wiliamson for the third time in four inningsHosts ensured taking away a 31-run lead from 1st innings
The day commenced with Jonny Bairstow and Jamie Overton continuing from their 209-run stand on day 2. The duo expanded their stand to 241, as Trent Boult got a breakthrough by dismissing Jamie Overton as he missed out on his maiden Test ton by three runs. Jonny Bairstow continued to hit as he scored 162 runs off 157 balls. A handy cameo from Stuart Broad, smashing 42 off 36, helped England fetch a 31-run lead from Kiwis in the first innings as they got bundled out at 360.
Trent Boult ended the inning with a four-wicket haul, whereas Tim Southee and Neil Wagner scalped three and two wickets each.
97-run stand from Tom Latham and Kane Williamson
New Zealand, their second essay, lost Will Young early at eight as Matthew Potts traps him for a full-length stunner. The experienced duo of Tom Latham and Kane Williamson stitched 97 in partnership off 152 balls, anchoring the second inning. However, things started going downhill soon after this. The first ball after tea, Jamie Overton got the breakthrough, dismissing Tom Latham at 76. The first ball after a 20-minute rain break, Devon Conway (11), fell to Joe Root. Smart bowling changes by Ben Stokes, Matthew Potts and Jack Leach dismissed Kane Williamson (48) and Henry Nicholls (7). Thus, the final session saw New Zealand slipping from 125/2 to 161/5.
All eyes are on the duo of Mitchell-Blundell for rescuing Kiwis
With the fall of these five wickets, the onus of New Zealand’s inning has once again come to Daryll Mitchell and Tom Blundell. The duo will resume their innings from tomorrow, and with two days in store, they will look to stay on the crease as long as possible to gather the lead as no total is safe against this England side, considering the form they are carrying.