Overcast morning conditions prompted Ben Stokes to put New Zealand into bat, having
won the toss underneath an imposingly grey sky. Most teams who choose to bowl first
will expect to skittle their opposition within the day, but it was not to be for England.
Kiwi skipper, Tom Latham, and Will Young (making his first appearance since his
heroics in India) began the day in a relatively controlled fashion, much against the run of
play throughout this series.
The opening batsmen exasperated the English bowling attack in a wicketless morning session, as they led their side into lunch at 93-0, despite Latham finding some early fortune, dropped by Ben Duckett on just 4 runs. England would’ve entered lunch frustrated with themselves, as the bowling quartet of Potts, Atkinson, Carse, and Stokes did not look particularly threatening, bowling a touch too wide and allowing the openers to settle quickly.
Will Young fell not long after the resumption of play, finding the edge against Gus
Atkinson, as Harry Brook took a comfortable catch at second slip to dismiss the opener
for 42. Kane Williamson arrived at the crease looking to continue his formidable Test
record at Seddon Park, entering his 20 th innings at the ground having already scored
1,414 runs at an average of 94.26.
Williamson instantly looked at ease, complimenting his captain as he cut and pulled to great effect, threatening yet another impressive total. At the other end, Latham was dropped 2 deliveries after reaching 50 (for the first time in the series), as Duckett put down another difficult chance in the slip cordon. Justice was soon served as Matty Potts dismissed the Kiwi captain, feathering a delivery down the leg side to Ollie Pope behind the stumps, bringing an end to his defiant knock of 63 off 135 balls.
Rachin Ravindra looked fired up as he took on an infuriated Potts in a war of words,
racing to 18 with 5 minutes to play before the tea break. But alas, the left-hander was
unable to post a significant score, continuing his poor series by gifting Brydon Carse his
first wicket of the game, guiding a wide delivery to the grateful hands of Ben Duckett at
third slip. Despite Ravindra’s late blunder, New Zealand would’ve entered tea happy
with their score of 172/3, with their talismanic number three still at the crease on 31.
The evening session gradually reverted to the chaotic state of play that we have
become so accustomed to this series, as England mercilessly took back momentum.
Williamson was the first to go, falling unfortunately on 43, as a late forward defense
resulted in the ball rolling back towards the stumps, dislodging the bails despite his
desperate attempt to kick the ball away from danger.
Darryl Mitchell would soon follow. Having taken 20 balls to get off the mark, the number
5 appeared to want to put the pressure back on England, playing hard at every delivery
until he was stopped prematurely by a diving Ben Stokes, taking a brilliant catch at mid-
on to give Atkinson his second wicket of the day, bringing up his 50 th Test Match wicket,
in just his 11th game.
The revitalized English bowling attack continued their onslaught, cheaply dismissing
Phillips, Blundell, and Henry. Mitchell Santner was not to be swayed by the English
battery, showing off his IPL skills in hitting seven fours and two maximums on his way to
a breathtaking unbeaten 50.
Tim Southee joined in on the action, dismissing Stokes’ short ball barrage with
consecutive sixes, forcing England to take the new ball at the first opportunity. The fresh
Kookaburra did not deter the veteran however, as he deposited Atkinson over mid-
wicket for yet another six (bringing up 98 Test sixes) – eventually falling two balls later
for an entertaining 23 off 10 deliveries.
England were unable to claim the final Kiwi wicket, despite taking the extra half hour of
play, while New Zealand finished the day on 315-9. Santner will no doubt resume
tomorrow in similar fashion, before England begin their response.
England will enter Day 2 marginally ahead – but you could not be faulted for suggesting
that honors are even.
