NZ Test tour of Eng, June 2-27

[Arthur Crabtree]

Decent England batting line up there.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England needed to go past NZ. Still, if England get rewards with the new ball, the game could still come alive. At least the game has moved quickly, even though to an impasse.

[bigfluffylemon]

Jimmy takes the first, 650 wickets. Well bowled, sir.

Good inswinger, bad leave from Latham.

New ball is doing a bit, game could still be live.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Decent game so far for Bracewell.

[alfie]

Bit of movement for the seam bowlers in that brief period...could be interesting if that continues. And of course remains to be seen what role Leach might play.

Anything could happen from here. If NZ bat into tomorrow I imagine they'd be at least 250 ahead so the question then arises as to what sort of carrot they might wish to offer. They are one down in the series : but they are also down a bowler so not sure they'd be too generous. And the danger for a 4th innings England is that with their fragile tail any decision to pull out of a run chase after losing a bunch of wickets might come too late.

This will be a test for Stokes as skipper : just how he strikes a balance between attacking hard and not letting the runs race away the way they did on the first day...I don't think NZ will hold back on their shots when they get the chance and this ground is like lightning ...

[sussexpob]

NZ dont seem interested at the moment in making a go for it, and I think that seems the only way we will get a result here. At the moment we are looking at roughly 50 overs left in the day, lets say even with 3 runs an over (which is over what they are achieving now) thats only going to be a lead pushing 210 ish. And then assuming NZ have the legs in the batting left to have a flurry in the morning tomorrow, 300 in 70-75 feels risky given the big first innings scores and how quickly those runs were acquired.

Maybe NZ are setting up for acceleration but it feels at the moment like the game is in the balance,and the risk of losing 2-3 wickets trying to up the scoring is too great. Plus a loss comes with the series, so that will push NZ into batting longer than they would if it was 0-0 and the first test.

ATM I cant see past NZ declaring with the score probably past an England push, and NZ not leaving enough time to rip England out, save for England reverting to their usual pants selfs.

Leach really needs to do something.

[sussexpob]

Sounds like TMS is fun this afternoon. Chatter of Root's innings being the greatest ever, and Lara's 501 being bang average. Cook so far resisting the temptation in the discussion to proclaim one of his own innings the best ever.

Considering how much he seemingly took offence at Moeen Ali not proclaiming him the greatest captain of all time, I am surprised he hasnt. Our Cookie has some thin skin at times, it seems. Maybe if he adds some racism and starts punting declaration gin, he can challenge Vaughanie for the title of TMS biggest n*bhead.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Game is averaging about two wickets a session. I presume NZ are going to try to kill the game.

[sussexpob]

Last ten they have started to launch

[sussexpob]

Leach has to start causing some problems, or I think this might be the end for him

[sussexpob]

Leach has to start causing some problems, or I think this might be the end for him

Just like that Jack... Conway gone

[sussexpob]

Another one goes. 126/3 now....

I'm guessing NZ might back off with another one quick

[sussexpob]

Calamity by New Zealand. Young blocks the ball, goes for a run, partner doesnt want it, they hesitate for long enough for Pope to send it in and Young once again gets out after a decent start.....

Bonus wicket for England. More importantly NZ are now wobbling with 3 quick wickets, and a result suddenly looking possible. NZ need to get there heads in gear as the last hour has rocked them

[bigfluffylemon]

And a super bit of fielding for a run out, 131-4. Stokes beating the bat every other ball.

It's definitely game on. But the 5th wicket has been a big one for both teams this series...

[sussexpob]

It's definitely game on. But the 5th wicket has been a big one for both teams this series...

The ball moved a bit early doors, but I still wouldnt want to leave under 300 to chase. NZ going to have to bat well to avoid losing this I think....

I have England 60-40 atm