Twitter Reaction: England consolidates lead with victory in sight

As the third day of the second Test between New Zealand and England began, there was history made right from the get-go. Tim Southee, the hosts’ unrelenting bowler, now turned batsman struck a couple of massive blows into the stands. Although it may have not really landed in ‘Barmy Army’ territory, it was enough to give his new RCB teammate AB de Villiers in Johannesburg a run for his money in terms of sixes in Test match cricket. In spite of King Southee and his lusty blows, the Kiwis landed short of the visitors’ total before the Southee-Boult combo was put to the test once again.

In recent days, Mark Stoneman’s attitude has been cherry-picked by former skipper Michael Vaughan. The latter had been singled out ever since the start of The Ashes. However, what Vaughan seemed not to understand was that his former colleague Alastair Cook was possibly heading towards the worst form of his life. Boult struck as Cook nicked one back towards Bairstow. As the Kiwis celebrated with smiles on their faces, they least expected what was coming.

James Vince and Mark Stoneman began what was to be one of the unlikeliest of partnerships of the match. It was surprising since the duo are predominantly T20 batsmen to play such innings. They would add over a hundred runs for the second wicket, and more importantly, wake up the Barmy Army from their slumber. The trumpet came out along with their musical catalog of Joe Root Songs with the trumpet as well.

Vince and Stoneman would not see the end of day’s play – which of course had been marred by terrible light despite the warm sunshine across the vast expanse of the Westpac Stadium. Root and Malan however, concluded the day’s play along with their fans before Twitter erupted on the amazing musical performance of the ‘Barmy Army’.

The Twitterati speaks at the close of play:

England firmly in control as the sun sets on Day 3 in Christchurch.

Who else is excited for plenty of #DeclarationSpeculation tomorrow? #nzveng

— TAB Sport (@TAB_Sport) April 1, 2018

A great day for the England cricket team closing the day leading by 231 runs #nzveng

— The Leading Edge Podcast (@LeadingEdgePod) April 1, 2018

STUMPS: England 202-3 (Vince 76, Stoneman 60), lead by 231. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/6GyMAeYneN

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) April 1, 2018

My light meter says otherwise…#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/t8nL4eZ7q3

— Avi (@Avi_Lal) April 1, 2018

Solid day for England. Bat for 40 overs tomorrow then get bowling? #NZvENG

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) April 1, 2018

Been a very satisfactory day for England overall. Bit frustrating at that last wicket stand, but leading by 230+ with 7 wickets in hand and 2 days left. Great opportunity to finally end dismal streak in Tests abroad. #NZvENG #bbccricket

— Dave (@dj_zotov) April 1, 2018

Stop wasting these reviews! They are supposed to be for howlers not random speculation. Stupidity. @BLACKCAPS @TheACCnz #NZvENG #backtheblackcaps

— Graham Farmer (@gravyonsports) April 1, 2018

I can watch the EngvsNz Test just for the songs being hummed. Fuckin hilarious #Englandvsnewzealand #NZvENG #Testmatch

— Rajkumar.R (@rajfederer) April 1, 2018

If Cook is only playing to break Sachin's Test Runs Record, then I think it's not going to happen anytime soon! #NZvENG

— Rasool (@imrasool) April 1, 2018

???that guy singing can sure hit a high note. Too bad his voice cracked #NZvENG

— Kane Train (@CricFan2000) April 1, 2018

#Manx Flag at #NZvENG cricket clearly not put up by a #Manxie though #Manxflag #IOM pic.twitter.com/rpYi2GdcXp

— Boris (@boris_isleofman) April 1, 2018

Ah. The soothing strains of the Joe Root Medley coming over the airwaves. A pleasant way to begin the day. Well played @billbarmytrump #NZvENG

— Henry Wisson (@HenryWisson) April 1, 2018

Southee and Boult sharing the 10 wickets in the first innings of England, Anderson and Broad doing the same…is this the first time in Test Cricket’s history this has happened? #NZvENG

— Frankenstein (@Frankenstein434) April 1, 2018

For more news stories visit Crictracker.com