A brilliant eighth-wicket stand between Jonny Bairstow (97*) and Mark Wood (52) helped England end the first day of the second Test on 290 for 8 against New Zealand in Christchurch. Meanwhile, the duo added 95 runs to revive England’s innings after the host reduced to 164 for 7 at one stage.
Putting into bat first, the England batsmen struggled to tackle the Kiwi pacers. England’s middle-order fragility came back to haunt them as they were reeling at 94 for 5. Meanwhile, with Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes dropped, English batting-order looked thinner. However, Bairstow-Wood collaboration somewhat saved them from another humiliation.
While Bairstow continued to fight, Wood’s confidence gave him the much-needed cushion to look for quick runs. Williamson rotated all his bowlers in search of wickets, however, nothing worked as the visitors ended the day on evenly.
Meanwhile, both the batsmen had their share of luck. BJ Watling dropped Bairstow once while Wood got two chances during his stay. The wicket came though just before the new ball was taken, as Southee bowled Wood to pick up his fifth wicket.
Previously, England went to lunch at 70 for 2 with both Joe Root and Mark Stoneman at the crease. They were 93 for 2 at one stage before England lost three consecutive wickets to strive at 94 for 5.
Stokes and Bairstow did well to see off the remaining session but Stokes departed at the start of the afternoon session.
Meanwhile, England had another shaky start when Boult dismissed Cook in the third over. Boult removed Cook for the third time in a row as England were reeling at 6 for 1. Stoneman and James Vince steadied the ship then with no further damage in the next one hour.
The visitors will start the second day at 290 for 8 with Bairstow and Jack Leech at the crease.
Brief scores: England 290/8 (Jonny Bairstow 97*, Mark Wood 52; Tim Southee 5-60) vs New Zealand.
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