NZ v England test matches, November 2019

[backfootpunch]

Journo on obo in the Guardian saying this has been a dreadful series. So someone isn't a fan of this more attritional style.

Good (if slow) start for England.

Pope is itching to move things along. He's going to get out flashing soon.

He needs to do something, any chance of an england win is disappearing with this slow run rate

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pope's been in for getting on for two hours for that 19. Maybe they'll speed up once they have a lead.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Just read Keaton Jennings might be back for the SL tour.

[backfootpunch]

Just read Keaton Jennings might be back for the SL tour.

Gary ballance must be due another chance soon to

[bigfluffylemon]

Finally England have a lead, and with it their highest score in 2019.

Root goes to lunch on 178*, his highest score since 2017, and 7th 150 score in test cricket. And he's batted over 8 hours for it. Well done. Captain's knock, I think they say

Let's hope it's a return to form.

Shame there is unlikely to be time to force a result, but if England can get a lead of 150-180 after tea, they could have 10 or so overs at NZ tonight, then force them to bat out tomorrow for a draw (although rain should help with that). Still a big if.

[bigfluffylemon]

200* up for Root, his longest ever test innings by balls faced, 3rd double hundred, and highest score in an overseas test (and his first ton in NZ).

Pope also brings up a maiden test 50 as England post 400 for the first time in 16 months. Heady heights indeed.

[bigfluffylemon]

England collapse in the end, going for quick runs to try and move the game on, to be fair. 455-5 goes to 476 all out, lead of 100.

Still, only about 130 overs left in the test with both sides still to bat a second time. England have a lead of 100, so unless one side or the other collapses within 2 sessions, it's going to be a draw.

[bigfluffylemon]

Kiwis off to a bit of a flyer - obviously looking to wipe out the deficit quickly.

How many wickets will England realistically need by close to have a chance of victory tomorrow? Three? Four?

[bigfluffylemon]

Kiwis off to a bit of a flyer - obviously looking to wipe out the deficit quickly.

How many wickets will England realistically need by close to have a chance of victory tomorrow? Three? Four?

Looks like they won't get them...

[Arthur Crabtree]

England still have a sniff though. If they get NZ out by tea they could have a chance of winning.

[sussexpob]

Hopefully this will bring some confidence to Joe, and its good to see Pope make a score. I guess the general match situation isnt great, England need a miracle to pull off the win, and having been away much of the weekend I only have to guess that the pitch has turned into a bit of a road (England couldnt make 470 in any other conditions, lol!).... but still, this is a marked improvement on the dross of the last year.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England's first double ton against NZ since Thorpe's in Christchurch in 2002. The first against anyone since Cook's in Melbourne a year ago.

[bigfluffylemon]

Cook was 2 years ago.

Bit of a road, yes, and only out for 476 because they started opening their shoulders for a declaration.

Can't see them forcing a win, but a decent performance so far on a difficult wicket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Another early start tonight. If they start because heavy downpours are predicted.

[Durhamfootman]

well they do start and England immediately discover the folly of not taking a spare keeper on tour. Not that they will understand the folly.... they will just have been a bit unlucky with a last minute injury.

Williamson will go on and score big now.... of course