ENG vs NZ: Topsy-turvy Day 4 sets up for thrilling final day, Netizens excited

The pulsating second Test match that is currently underway at Trent Bridge, Nottingham seems to be heading towards a thrilling finish as both England and New Zealand have played an outstanding brand of cricket in the last four days. When the Kiwis had posted a mammoth first innings total of 553, it seemed to be a daunting task for the hosts.

However, that was not to be as the Three Lions batted brilliantly in reply courtesy of a 187-run stand for the third wicket between Ollie Pope and Joe Root that drastically brought their innings deficit down after the end of the third day’s play. At one point it seemed as if England would even take the innings lead which was not to be.

New Zealand batters fight back on the fourth day

Despite spectacular centuries from Joe Root (176) and Ollie Pope (145), only skipper Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes made further inroads with the bat, scoring 46 and 56 respectively as England were bowled out for 539. Thus, New Zealand gained a first-innings lead of 14 runs.

The visitors in their second innings lost skipper Tom Latham early as veteran English pacer James Anderson went on to register his 650th Test scalp. While England and the home fans rejoiced at the unique milestone, the Black Caps duo of Will Young and Devon Conway ensured that it was short-lived as they added 100 runs for the second-wicket stand. Even though Conway was dismissed for 52, Young showed great resistance from the other end.

However, his stay at the crease came to an abrupt end when he was run out for 56 and it appeared that it would open up the floodgates for the England bowlers. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell (24) and Michael Bracewell’s 17-ball 25 cameo knock helped New Zealand’s cause as they added some precious runs to their tally.

Even though both were dismissed and Tim Southee was run out for a golden duck, the last recognized batter Daryl Mitchell (32*) and Matt Henry (8*) ensured that the Kiwis lost no further wickets as they went to stumps at 224/7. The visitors now have a lead of 238 runs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted after witnessing a seesaw battle on Day 4:

Brilliant that we have lived in an era that has seen us witness Jimmy Anderson and Joe Root, two of the all time greats of English cricket

— 50 (two per) Cent (@50twoperCent) June 13, 2022

The stage is set for a thrilling finale at Trent Bridge. #WTC23 | #ENGvNZ | https://t.co/2h7KnwbegI pic.twitter.com/9ySipvt1qn

— ICC (@ICC) June 13, 2022

Smile if you've just picked up your 10th Test five-wicket haul 🏏 #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/jzhTTjRCfI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 13, 2022

England Cricket Board have announced free entry at the Trent Bridge for the Day 5 between England and New Zealand.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 13, 2022

Daryll Mitchell is still there batting with Blundell!So NZ batting has just started. Also if the pitch deteriorates enough on 5th day with England needing 300+ runs to chase in 75 odd overs, I wont be surprised if NZ win the test!

— Abhishek Roy। অভিষেক রায় (@abhishekroy82) June 13, 2022

I won't be surprised if England win this test.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 13, 2022

New Zealand lead by 238 runs with 3 wickets in hand in second innings – with one day left, we are going to have an exciting finishing at Trent Bridge.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 13, 2022

in 2021 , with Lead of 224 vs England
New Zealand would have already started their celebrations

— Paras (@ParasGirdhar22) June 13, 2022

New Zealand 8%
England 15%
Draw 77%
Who won ،🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 VS 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/MVpjKSnEX0

— Muhammad Ali Abdullah (🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰) (@AliAbdullah9584) June 13, 2022

NZ's lead is 238 going to Day 5. For reference, highest successful chase for ENG at Trent Bridge was 284/6 in 2004. Onus will be on Daryl Mitchell & tail to try & stretch the lead to save this Test. If not for many soft dismissals, NZ wouldn't have been this precariously placed pic.twitter.com/PboCXHit7M

— Sivy Kanefied 🇳🇿 (@Sivy_KW578) June 13, 2022