NZ vs ENG, 1st Test, Day 2, Review: Hosts exert their dominance on a rain-hit day

New Zealand extended their lead on the second day of the first Test match against England which was marred by rain all day. As many as 66.5 overs were lost as the groundsmen toiled hard to squeeze in some cricket throughout the day but the persistent rain had the final say. Meanwhile, the day was remembered for the record-breaking ton from the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson who perched to the top of the century-makers list in the history of New Zealand Test cricket.

Earlier in the morning, Williamson and Henry Nicholls strode out to the middle to continue their unbeaten stand of 52 runs for the fourth wicket. They batted calmly and didn’t give any chance to their opponents who bowled really well in the pursuit of wickets. The captain of the hosts who was not out on 91 overnight completed his much-deserved ton, 18th of his Test career, and soaked in all the applause from the crowd and his teammates.

Blip in concentration

But soon after the milestone, there was may be a blip in concentration for him as he was pinned in front by James Anderson on 102. He challenged the decision of the umpire only to be confirmed that he was plumb even as his team lost a crucial review. Nevertheless, it was a great innings from Williamson who nerves of steel when the other top order batsmen failed to convert the start.

But the duo of Nicholls and BJ Watling then didn’t give a sniff to the visitors and added 23 runs for the fifth wicket on either side of the rain break. However, in the 24th over of the day, the frustrating rain returned when New Zealand were sitting pretty on 229/4 with the new ball doing a lot of tricks. It was an ideal period of play for England but the clouds never cleared enough for the play to resume.

Nicholls is battling hard on 49 off 143 balls while Watling is looking good on 17 with 3 fours during his short stay in the middle. The play will start one hour early on all the days now if weather permits. The loss of time shouldn’t really hamper the result given the way England capitulated on the first day in the first session. The home side is clearly on top in this match and a lead of 171 runs is a testimony for the same. They would love to extend it beyond 300 on the third day as England have no option but to keep fighting.

Brief Scores

Brief Scores

England 58 after 20.4 overs (C Overton 33*; T Boult 6/32, T Southee 4/25)

New Zealand 229/4 after 92.1 overs (K Williamson 102; J Anderson 3/53)

State of the match: New Zealand lead by 171 runs

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