Twitter Reactions: Tom Blundell and Ollie Robinson light up day two of first Test between New Zealand and England

After a very poor start with the bat, which saw New Zealand lose three wickets for just 31 runs, the Kiwi batters made an emphatic return in the game on Day 2. Opener, Devon Conway, provided the much-needed stability, scoring 77 off 151 deliveries while stumper-batter, Tom Blundell, registered his career-best century, as he smashed 138 off 181 balls. Courtesy of their impactful knocks, New Zealand finished their innings on 306 runs, which still is 19 runs behind England’s first innings total.

Meanwhile, Ollie Robinson was England’s wrecker-in-chief with the ball. The pacer picked up four wickets while veteran speedster James Anderson dismissed three of the Kiwi batters. On the other hand, Ben Stokes, Jack Leach and Stuart Broad proved to be a bit expensive but managed to pick up one wicket each. 

Coming to the second innings of the match, England managed to get a comfortable start. After being completely bamboozled in the first innings, Zak Crawley rose to the occasion and gave a good start but once again failed to convert it into a big knock. The opener (28) was dismissed by debutant Scott Kuggeleijn while his partner Ben Duckett failed to make a mark this time around, as he got out to Blair Tickner while batting on 25.

Young batter Ollie Pope is currently at the crease along with night watch-man Stuart Broad. They have managed to finish the day on a higher note as the Ben Stokes-led side has a comfortable lead of 98 runs after Day 2.

However, for New Zealand to make a comeback and come closer to victory, need to restrict England to under 250 runs. Skipper Tim Southee will be extremely vital along with Neil Wagner, who picked up four wickets in the first innings. Meanwhile, if England manages to hold their nerve and play the entire 90 overs on Day 3, they will eventually be much closer to victory.

Here's how Twitter reacted -

Classic hundred at a crucial time from Tom Blundell 🔥#CricTracker #NZvENG #TomBlundell pic.twitter.com/vHchgvRLpv

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 17, 2023

The beauty and madness of (Test) cricket #NZvENG #cricket #funny #nighthawk pic.twitter.com/EKR8f0rgRZ

— simon hughes (@theanalyst) February 17, 2023

Tom Blundell's last 14 Test innings, from lowest to highest: 6, 14, 24, 44, 47, 51, 55, 57*, 74, 88*, 96, 96, 100*, 106.

That's 858 runs at 78.00.

And he's kept @BLACKCAPS in this game.

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) February 17, 2023

Believe it or not I like this new version of England,I don't know if the change and impact is due to Brendon McCullum coming in or Ben Stokes taking over.#NZvENG #nzvseng#ENGvsNZ #TestCricket #BenStokes pic.twitter.com/h14q9isA4P

— Usman Shaikh (@shaikusman_7) February 17, 2023

I just feel #Eng will lose this test although they are playing very good with their brand of cricket but #NZ will pin them down 😏#NZvENG

— . (@Nireekshanchand) February 17, 2023

#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/bLEEpeQvyG

— Chris Ward (@yorker129_7) February 17, 2023

Another revolutionary day for Test Cricket. England bowled out NZ and got the lead, but what a century for Tom Blundell. Decent batting by Crawly and Duckett under lights ensure England end the day on high note with 79-2 in their second inning. Can't wait for tomorrow. #NZvsENG

— Ephraim Ghouri 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@C0nnellWaldron2) February 17, 2023

Take a bow Tom Blundell 🙏🏻 That's a famous century against all odds. #NZvENG

— Sanket ☭ (@sankulyaa) February 17, 2023

Ollie Robinson is next big thing in coming years in Fast bowling department.
His action, speed and accuracy is remarkable!#EngvsNZ #TestCricket #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/9ORduVUIZN

— Rana (@iamRana90) February 17, 2023