ENGLAND 435-8
NZ 209 & 202-3 (f/o)
1. So you’re saying there’s a chance…
It felt like something of a minor triumph that New Zealand kept England in the field for the entire day.
That it was split across two innings puts it into a slightly harsher light but hey, silver linings.
England are still overwhelming favourites to win this test. At an effective -24 for 3, it seems silly to suggest anything else, especially when New Zealand don’t have a frontline spinner to take advantage of some significant and out-of-character wear and tear on this Basin Reserve wicket.