Twitter Reactions: Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell's stunning partnership puts New Zealand in commanding position

An enthralling first-day action at the Lord’s saw New Zealand batting first after winning the toss, and the decision did not prove to be that fruitful as they were bundled for 132 in their first innings. England was cruising at one stage when they started their reply in the first innings, however, a flurry of wickets towards the back end of the innings saw the Kiwis come back strong at the end of the day.

Earlier, England resumed day two at 116 for 7 trailing by 16 runs, and Tim Southee managed to clean up Stuart Broad with a full delivery after the hosts added just 9 runs on the day. Ben Foakes soon followed him by knicking one to Daryl Mitchell for just seven off the bowling of Southee again. Matthew Parkinson was the last wicket to fall for England as he perished for 8 while James Anderson remained unbeaten on 7 with the scoreboard reading 141 in 42.5 overs.

Southee was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis with a four-wicket haul while Boult picked up three in the innings as England led by just 9 runs at the end of the first innings. The visitors in their second innings, came out with a gritty mindset to stay long but Will Young (1) yet again faltered soon against the bowling of James Anderson in just the third over of the innings. Kane Williamson (15) and Tom Latham (14) took their time early, but could not stitch a big partnership as Matty Potts got rid of both the batters.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell play the rescue act for New Zealand

Conway could manage just 13 off 34 balls as Broad picked him up in the 23rd over, to leave the Kiwis at 56 for 4. The inexperienced middle of Daryl Mitchell (97*) and Tom Blundell (90*) stitched an excellent partnership of 180 for the fifth wicket and got back the visitors in the driver’s seat. Both batters reached their half-centuries as England bowlers could not find breakthroughs and the pair took advantage in the final session.

In the end, the Kiwis ended day two at 236 for 4 in 79 overs and lead by 227 runs with 6 wickets in hand. The England bowlers will have to come up with better ideas on day three, as New Zealand seemed to have taken the driver’s seat now.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Day two ‘s play between New Zealand and England

Unbelievable comeback with the bat from #NewZealand.

What a sensational unbeaten 180* partnership between Tom Blundell and Daryl Mitchell👏👏#ENGvNZ

— Sadaf Shamim (@imSadafShamim) June 3, 2022

New Zealand ended day two on 236-4 with a lead of 227 after being 56-4 at one stage.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell will both resume in the 90s tomorrow.#ENGvNZ #seanknows pic.twitter.com/5rV3aRpvOt

— Sean Cardovillis (@sean_cardo) June 3, 2022

Only rain can save England from this embarrassment #ENGvNZ

— Areeba (@areeba_chaudhry) June 3, 2022

@dazmitchell47 You Legend!! 97 runs at lords congrats mate!! Huge partnership with Tom Blundell both played outstanding!! #ENGvsNZ #ENGvNZ @HomeOfCricket @BLACKCAPS

— Aaron 🇳🇿 🦍 (@BlizzardKing_) June 3, 2022

Quality partnership that from Mitchell and Blundell. Just what they needed, right up against it, now they’re huge favourites to win the game. England missing a pace man massively #ENGvNZ #ENGvsNZ

— Niall 🇺🇦 (@Crusty_Crouton) June 3, 2022

Baz learning why you don't play Anderson and Broad together#ENGvNZ #Cricket

— Ritesh Banglani (@banglani) June 3, 2022

And that’s why the long format of the game at international level is called Test Cricket ! Incredible turnaround at Lords and it’s only Day 2 ! #ENGvNZ

— Nick Husbands (@nick570husbands) June 3, 2022

#ENGvNZ live. New Zealand didn't play up to expectations in their 1st innings, but England did in theirs. Not a hope in he'll of England avoiding defeat.

— Paul Hurt (@PaulHurt13) June 3, 2022

What a come back by @BLACKCAPS #ENGvNZ #WTC23

— Sarmad MALIK🇵🇰 (@sarmadaadeez) June 3, 2022

Meanwhile at Lord's – New Zealand now moving to a strong position in the last session of day-2.

A 150-run unbeaten 4th wicket partnership between Mitchell and Blundell.

New Zealand's lead is 200+. #ENGvNZ

— Pupil Of Pol-Sci (@adityapareek10) June 3, 2022