Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell scored contrasting half-centuries to help New Zealand erase the deficit and take a 99-run lead over England at Lunch on Day 4 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The hosts added 123 runs in the morning session on Monday, courtesy Mitchell’s run-a-ball 54 and Williamson’s vigilant 63.
As New Zealand resumed the day on 202 for 3, still trailing by 24 runs, Williamson and Henry Nicholls added 20 runs to their overnight score before Robinson induced an edge off the southpaw, which was well taken by Harry Brook in the cordon. While Williamson continued to bat patiently, Mitchell looked to express himself from the word go and ensured that the runs came thick and fast once New Zealand took the lead. He brought up his half century with a six down the ground off Jack Leach. However, his entertaining innings was cut short due to a top edge.
Tom Blundell, who walked out to bat at the stroke of Lunch, wasted little time in going after the bowlers. He drove Robinson for a boundary and then went after Leach, heading to the break unbeaten on 19.
The perfect cover drive 😍
A textbook shot from Tom Blundell 📕#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/9qF7auy7CS
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 26, 2023
