Twitter Reaction: Bad light once again plays spoilsport as New Zealand battle to save the Test

When bad light stopped play on the fourth day of the second Test between England and New Zealand, Joe Root looked like a man who could certainly use a drink when he returned to the haven of his hotel room. The host’s opening pair of Jeet Raval and Tom Latham remained unbeaten before play was called off unanimously by Maias Erasmus for bad light.

In spite of this, the day’s play wasn’t all that bad given the fact that the Brits had indeed made the most of their opportunities to set a commanding total of 382 for their counterparts. In addition to all this, there was a bevy of half-centuries from the likes of Dawid Malan and Joe Root, both batsmen who had remained unbeaten overnight. This included a cameo from Jonny Bairstow, who proved to be the only centurion in the match before he was undone by Neil Wagner.

While the Barmy Army raised their voices once again, this time for Stuart Broad, it was a case of who was going to pick the wickets for the hosts. Colin de Grandhomme, as he had done in his debut innings began to sound the death toll for the Brits. He concluded with four wickets to his name, but the damage had been done, to say the least.

Jeet Raval and Tom Latham were are their defensive best, but as opposed to the previous day, there was little or no sunshine in the Hagley Oval, something that began to deteriorate as the day continued. Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand sat and watched as his thoughts began revolving around saving the Test match, something he will have to do when the Kiwis take the field for the fifth and final day.

The Twitterati speaks:

"So I says to Mavis, I says…"#NZvENG #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/7FzBkku0wN

— 5Qs with a Cricketer (@5Qs_Cricketer) April 2, 2018

That 23 overs of resistance from Latham and Raval has given New Zealand a terrific chance of holding on for the series win #NZvENG

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) April 2, 2018

I know the light always looks better on the tv but are we sure the umpires didn't just fancy putting their feet up early. I'm sure I've seen worse than this… #NZvENG

— Jonny (@Leathernwillow) April 2, 2018

@TheBarmyArmy epitomise everything that’s good about English sports fans. If our boys in Russia are half as good as the barmy army this summer then we’ll be more than alright…What a bunch of men and women?? #NZvENG

— Matt McGlinchey (@Matt_McGlinchey) April 2, 2018

Don't know if they walked off for bad light or did they get offended by the @TheBarmyArmy chants.#NZvENG @BLACKCAPS @guerillacricket

— Pheku VVS Laxman (@phekuVvsLaxman) April 2, 2018

Colin de Grandhomme, coming in as a T20 expert, has modified himself beautifully to the original format – The Tests. Offers so much to the team. Pleasure to watch him. @BLACKCAPS #NZvENG

— Siddharth Dutta (@siddharthcfc) April 2, 2018

Oh, we're gonna lose overs cause daylight saving time. Another reason the whole concept is bullshit. #NZvENG

— Kurt Morton (@kurtsmorton) April 2, 2018

Can't really see there being a full days play tomorrow so England will have there work cut out to get the 10 wickets needed #NZvENG

— kevin Hurst ??? (@kevin_hurst) April 2, 2018

Broad #NZvENG @StuartBroad8 @liya_jaan @VitalityBlast @Prettymilley @BattalionBroady @StuartBroad08 @iamsafajan @alastaircook48 pic.twitter.com/kP2u0rWDBO

— Asifhussain (@Hussainx316) April 2, 2018

Bad Light Stops play at 42/0 A little disappointing we couldn't get a wicket, tomorrow is another day. 340 to win, so all 3 results possible. #NZVENG Stumps not been called yet by the way

— Paul Double Teapot (@LegB4Cricket) April 2, 2018

In his discussion with the umpires just now, Joe Root had the look of a man who should have declared at least an hour earlier than he did. As @Economissive noted as the chase started, this outcome was entirely predictable. #NZvENG

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) April 2, 2018

Players going off with 24 overs remaining! Doubt we will get back on, maybe 80 overs left in the game? We won’t win! #NZvENG

— Niall (@Crusty_Crouton) April 2, 2018

How good is @TheBarmyArmy for cricket? Pitch black in Christchurch, they've been singing for hours, the umpires go off for bad light and they start singing 'Here Comes The Sun' by The Beatles! #gold #NZvENG

— Jacob Landsmeer (@jlandsme_93) April 2, 2018

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