England tightened their grip on the primary Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand in Christchurch, leaving the hosts in serious trouble by the top of Day 3. New Zealand stumbled to 155 for six of their second innings, main by simply 4 runs, as Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse dismantled the Black Caps’ batting order.
Harry Brook’s majestic 171 anchors England’s dominance
The day started with Harry Brook persevering with his masterclass from the earlier night. Resuming on 132, Brook showcased a mixture of class and aggression, crafting 171 off 197 balls. His innings featured 15 fours and three towering sixes, cementing his position as England’s linchpin. Brook discovered an ready associate in captain Ben Stokes, who contributed a gritty 80 to additional strengthen England’s dominance.
New Zealand’s woes within the discipline solely added to their struggles. 5 dropped catches allowed England to pile on a commanding first-innings whole of 499, securing an important 151-run lead. Decrease-order contributions proved very important, with Gus Atkinson smashing a quick-fire 48 off 36 balls and Carse remaining unbeaten on 33, irritating the New Zealand bowlers.
Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse shine as New Zealand collapse
Within the second innings, New Zealand’s batting faltered in opposition to England’s disciplined bowling assault. Tom Latham (1) and Devon Conway (8) departed cheaply earlier than tea, placing the hosts underneath immense strain. Kane Williamson stood because the lone warrior, crafting a chic 61 and finishing 9,000 runs in Take a look at cricket. Nevertheless, his resistance ended when Woakes trapped him lbw, delivering a double blow by dismissing Tom Blundell for a golden duck in the identical over.
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Glenn Phillips tried to regular the innings with a short knock of 19 however was undone by Carse, who struck with precision to have him lbw. At stumps, Daryl Mitchell (31*) and debutant Nathan Smith (1*) had been tasked with salvaging New Zealand’s innings.
England’s bowlers had been distinctive, with Woakes (3 for 39) and Carse (3 for 22) exploiting the situations masterfully. Their constant line and size left New Zealand struggling to search out solutions.
As Day 4 approaches, New Zealand face an uphill battle to keep away from a crushing defeat. Mitchell and Smith might want to dig deep if the Black Caps are to mount a comeback in opposition to a assured and well-rounded England facet.
