ENG vs NZ: The ongoing Lord’s Test match between England and New Zealand has reached a decisive stage after just two days of play. If rain doesn’t interrupt the third day, a result is certain. Like the first, the bowlers dominated the second day, with 17 wickets falling. After bowling out New Zealand for 113 on the second day, England gained a crucial 27-run lead. England’s second innings then ended at 226, setting New Zealand a target of 254 runs to win. At stumps, the Kiwis were 36/3. New Zealand will need to score 218 runs on the third day to win. England, meanwhile, needs seven wickets.
New Zealand got off to a poor start in their chase. Gus Atkinson dismissed Kiwi opener and captain Tom Latham for a duck in the very first over of the innings. Josh Tongue then dismissed Kane Williamson for 18. With little time left in the innings, New Zealand sent in William O’Rourke as nightwatchman, but he too was dismissed for a duck. Atkinson bowled him, and the wicket was declared stumped. Day three will begin with Devon Conway (12 not out) and Rachin Ravindra batting.
Ollie Robinson scalped five wickets
England’s second innings was bundled out for 226 runs in the third session of the day. England got a good start in the second innings. Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay made a partnership of 52 runs for the first wicket. Duckett was out for 33 runs as the first wicket at the score of 52. Emilio and Bethell made a partnership of 47 runs for the second wicket. Bethell was out for 14 runs. After this, Root and Emilio made a partnership of 27 runs for the third wicket. Emilio was out for 57 runs as the third wicket at the score of 126.
Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith made a crucial 57-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Atkinson was dismissed for 14. Smith then added 29 runs for the eighth wicket with Ollie Robinson. Smith was dismissed for 39 for 213 for 8. England’s innings was then reduced to 226 runs, with Robinson being the last wicket-keeper to be dismissed for 29 runs. For New Zealand, right-arm fast bowler Nathan Smith took six wickets for 70 runs in 17 overs. Will O’Rourke took two, while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry took one wicket each.
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