Rain has yet again proved to be a blessing in disguise for England. On day three of the two-Test series opener at Eden Park in Auckland, only 17 balls were delivered.
Interestingly, the second day also witnessed the inclement weather hampering the cricketing activity on the field.
During the ongoing pink-ball Test, New Zeland was growing stronger and stronger before bad weather stung their chances quite a bit. Thus far, the hosts have a better chance if complete overs on the penultimate day of the traditional fixture.
Black Caps started off with the overnight score of 229 for four in 92. 1 overs. However, it didn’t take long to witness the players rushing out of the park for the cover. It subsequently forced the umpires to abandon the game for the day.
Anderson is the pick of the bowlers for England. He conceded 56 runs in his 21 overs for three prized wickets. The lanky fast bowler Broad went on to dismiss southpaw Tom Latham
The hosts Kiwis were able to add just four runs to their first innings total. Kane Williamson-led New Zealand faced 95 overs for their 233. Moreover, they stretched the innings lead to 175.
Henry Nicholls is batting on 52 off 152 balls. He struck three boundaries in his well-made half-century at Eden Park.
On the other side, wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling also smashed three boundaries in his 28-ball 18-run knock.
For the fourth-wicket Nicholls alongside Watling registered 27-run partnership off 66 balls. This came after Williamson was trapped in front by James Anderson on 102 off 220 balls.
Earlier, on day two of the Test match, Kiwis skipper Williamson struck his 18th Test hundred to surpass late Martin Crowe and contemporary middle-order batsman Ross Taylor.
Both have smashed 17 centuries each while donning the whites for the national team.
On day one, it was speedster Trent Boult alongside his experienced bowling partner to rip apart England’s batting line-up.
Joe Root-led England was bowled out for just 58 runs in 20.4 overs. However, the No. nine batsman Craig Overton was the top-scorer with unbeaten 33 off 25 deliveries.
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