Tea on the first day, 3 down, a bit under 3 an over being scored, egg and bacon everywhere in the crowd……….**** me, it’s Test Cricket!
Keep them to this run rate and nick a couple of wickets in the final session it’s a decent days work. I like New Zealand though, they are a very competitive unit.
100 for Conway on debut.......... fair play to him. I like NZ as a side they are tough competitors but always look as if they are enjoying themselves........probably a reflection on the way Kane Williamson captains the side.
I think it's fair to say that New Zealand will be more content with the day's play with only three wickets down and not phased by a good England bowling display.
Little bit of progress this morning courtesy of Wood, who can be frighteningly fast. New Zealand bat all the way to 11 though. De Grandhomme, in at number seven, has the eighth highest test average in the team - if he played for England it would be second highest. Although a duck won’t have done his average much good. Turning into a good morning for England, 7 down, good chance of keeping the total below 400 which is pretty good on this pitch by the looks of it.
An excellent morning for England now, with NZ 7 down. Wood and the troubled Robinson have bowled very well. Get them out for around 370 or less and England are right in this game.
That shot from Crawley was a ****ing disgrace. Sibley wants a slot in Wisden for most ducks for a Test opener.
That's a surprising stat about De Grandhomme, I've never really thought very much of him as an all-rounder. More of a Derek Pringle than an Ian Botham. More and more variable bounce on this pitch now. England will need a first innings lead and we don't look like getting one at the moment.
Ah it's truly summer with England 38-2 and skip nursing an injured finger......... All of a sudden it's gone from a batting paradise to a bowlers paradise.......
Nicely balanced going into day 3........ If England bat all day tomorrow and into day 4 then NZ will be under pressure....... If NZ get a few early wickets then England will be under pressure.........Lovely ebb and flow......
