NZ Test tour of Eng, June 2-27

[Arthur Crabtree]

Huge stroke of luck when Stokes was bowled off a no ball...

Fifty partnership though. Kiwis will be feeling some pressure.

Not that likely they will get a new ball.

[meninblue]

Ajaz into the attack.

[meninblue]

Much anticipated . Ben is expected to tonk one or two. Well connected six over DBSL.

[meninblue]

One more . Two sixers in the over . Ben on fire.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Nearly bowled though having a swipe. Hit or miss.

[meninblue]

Out. Big wicket that for Kyle and Kiwis.

With Ben out, the runs will dry up from one end.

Waste of wicket. Don't need to play T20 strokes in test matches. Very bad especially now that he is captain and also considering that so much depended on him and Joe for England to win this.

[sussexpob]

Well played skipper, but got out just as the match was turning back to England. Still, decent effort to bring the team back...

NZ clear favourites, but Foakes can bat and Root is now in

[sussexpob]

I say that just as Foakes nearly edges first ball

[Arthur Crabtree]

It was a high risk innings and he got out to a high risk shot. Thems the chances.

Well done to Jamieson for squeezing out a wicket with an old ball.

England well in the game though, and a game changing knock from Stokes. He's given England a view of a win.

[Durhamfootman]

It was a huge surprise to watch the highlights and find that England were still bating by close of play

They've already scored more than I thought they might once the wickets started tumbling. Huge slice of luck for Capt Gentle Ben. That beginning was one of the worst periods that I've watched him play. What on earth was he thinking? That start deserved to get him out to CDG and to get a let off like that was perhaps his birthday present. Thank goodness he settled down after tea.

Over rate watch......

England went into lunch having faced 9 overs. The remainder of the NZ innings lasted 13 overs.... 22 overs in total. I know they allow 2 for the turnaround, but really, is that the best they can do?

[Durhamfootman]

and why all of a sudden did play go on until 7.03pm on day 3 after finishing religiously at 6.30 on days 1 and 2?

and despite playing an hour longer than scheduled they still only managed to bowl 77 overs. Surely that has to be unacceptable?

[sussexpob]

England should have this now. NZ need to take wickets quick in the morning

[Durhamfootman]

Terrible leave from Lees after making perhaps his brightest start to an innings in an England shirt. What was he thinking too?

[captaincolly]

Terrible leave from Lees after making perhaps his brightest start to an innings in an England shirt. What was he thinking too?

Apparently his 6th succesive score between 20 and 30.

[bigfluffylemon]

England should have this now. NZ need to take wickets quick in the morning

England in it on paper, but Root does not restart well after being not out overnight, new ball is due and there is a long tail. Going to be an edge of seat job I fear.

Still, England are in a better position th asn I expected, so got to give them some credit.