Twitter Reaction: England on the ascendancy amid BJ Watling heroics

At the close of day two, not many would have envisioned England being at the helm of the Test match in Christchurch, a game which they must win to stay alive in the series. The day began well for the visitors when Jonny Bairstow completed what became a well-deserved century. It was also a memorable morning as far as Tim Southee was concerned when he surpassed Chris Cairns to become one of the highest wicket-takers for New Zealand.

Shortly after, the Kiwis began their fightback by facing the dynamic British pace bowling unit led by the duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The latter did not waste any time as they sunk their teeth into the batting unit. It was a familiar setting as they began to take wickets in tandem with the New Zealand wickets fall like ninepins. Kane Williamson, the skipper of the hosts was the lone survivor of the onslaught as half the side was sent back to the haven of the pavilion in no time.

Williamson, who had played rather well for his 22 eventually fell courtesy of the swing from Jimmy Anderson. However, it was the unlikely duo of BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme who began stitching a partnership that would eventually swing things in the favor of the hosts, something they were hoping for. They batted with caution while playing sensibly and took calculated risks whenever possible. They added 142 runs for the sixth wicket, the second highest partnership for that wicket for New Zealand.

Although Grandhomme did perish towards the close of play, the Kiwis had come within striking distance of the England total, thus setting up day three rather nicely.

Here are some tweets following the call for stumps

Stumps in Christchurch
NewZealand end the day at 192/6 a deficit of 115 after Broad scalps Grandhomme late in the day to return 4/38#NZvENG

— ICC Live Score (@oPnSports) March 31, 2018

Hagley Park, Christchurch. A great place to see a @jbairstow21 century, attacking fields and long white clouds.

The Arjee Bhajee nearby does a mean curry, too! ??????‍♂️ #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/tSlHSYaIpQ

— Nige Swinbank (@NigeSwin) March 31, 2018

England ended Day 2 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in a strong position after 4 wickets by Stuart Broad; Good fightback by Colin de Grandhomme (72) & BJ Watling (77*) to give some hope to the home side as they reached 192/6 at Stump;NZ trail England by 115 runs #NZvENG

— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) March 31, 2018

This moment when a wicket falls…
#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/wduSVmYLmU

— Kai Schwörer (@KaiSchwoerer) March 31, 2018

Very impressed by de Grandhomme’s innings today. Perhaps his most mature knock for the Black Caps. Just when they needed him to frustrate and tire Eng’s bowlers he was superb. BJ Watling the same, but we always knew he was good at that. Very good recovery #NZvENG

— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) March 31, 2018

Another thoroughly absorbing ebb & flow day at Christchurch Test #NZvENG showing once again why Test cricket is simply best sport in the world @theanalyst @theanalyst @

— wavy (@triballabour) March 31, 2018

Day -2, Stumps in Christchurch #England 307 all-out @jbairstow21 101 Southee 6/62#NewZealand 192/6 (trail by 115runs) @B_Jwatling 77* @StuartBroad8 4/38#NZvENG #NZvsENG pic.twitter.com/mYbIkC9Ipm

— Sports Liv (@SportsLivUpdate) March 31, 2018

RT OptaJason: 142 – de Grandhomme and Watling's stand of 142 was the highest ever 6th wicket partnership for the BLACKCAPS vs englandcricket, surpassing 141 from Martin Crowe + Adam Parore at Old Trafford in 1994. Resistance. #NZvENG

— #PSL2018 #HBLPSL (@The_PSL2018) March 31, 2018

#Christchurch 2nd Test
From 36/5, New Zealand finish the day 2 on 192/6, with a deficit of 115 runs. Watling 77, Broad 4/38.#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/nU72AYBhFw

— Akber Ali (@AkberAli2611) March 31, 2018

At stumps on Day 2 of the 2nd Test NZ trail by 115 runs.
England 307 Bairstow 101
NZ 192/6* Watling 77* Southee 13* de Grandhomme 72
Tim Southee has become the 4th highest NZ wicket taker in Test cricket#SportsTalkNZ #NZvENG #BackTheBlackCaps pic.twitter.com/Y06Ykw8c2I

— SportsTalkNZ (@NZ_SportsTalk) March 31, 2018

Here’s a hypothetical logic problem. If a Test match in New Zealand starts at 11am (11pm in the UK) but then, after the clocks go forward, the start time is brought forward to 1030am, what time do I need to start work in the UK? #NZvEng

— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) March 31, 2018

If nothing else today’s play has reminded me what a bloody great cricketer BJ Watling is #NZvENG #BattleContinues

— Andrew Biggs (@AWBiggs) March 31, 2018

Superb counterattack from Colin de Grandhomme and BJ Watling. Didn't even care about caution at 36 for 5 but instead, put the English attack under pressure. Root was forced to spread his field. #NZvENG

— Faisal Caesar (@faisalyorker) March 31, 2018

For more news stories and other articles, please visit Crictracker.com