England A Step Ahead In The Game

There are no many teams who will declare an innings when they have played only 59 overs game. England is somewhat different in its approach to test cricket, they are unpredictable and two steps ahead of the other teams.

In a pink ball test match, losing toss becomes a decisive factor. In the pink ball test match being played between New Zealand and England, New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first.  England as usual went about their business in fearsome way, not leaving any chance to pressurise the kiwi bowlers.

Zack Crawley was at fault once again, losing his wicket early in the innings. He has been inconsistent with his batting talent, not making best of the opportunities. The other opener Ben Duckett played an excellent innings of 84 runs in 68 balls.

England seemed cruising at one stage when they had 65 run in 10 overs with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope strongly steering the innings. New Zealand is missing Trent Boult for a big cause, Tim Southee did his job but at the same time, he is missing his long time bowling partner as it seems.

Joe Root (14 off 21) played a couple of magnificent shots but couldn’t last longer as Neil Wagner undone him on a reverse scoop. He is averaging just 20 in his last 10 test innings which is a worrying sign for the English team. It appears that the new aggresive set of play doesn’t suit his playing style.

But what a talent is Harry Brook. He scored 89 off 81 balls, coming to bat just after tea. England were 154 for 5 and it appeared that the team will roll down but Brook keeping the run flow consistent, ushered the team from a shaky position.

Captain Ben Stokes couldn’t do much while playing his first pink ball test match as a captain. Trying to pull one over the mid wicket, he lost his wicket to Scott Kuggeleijn who got first test wicket of his career.

Down the order, Ben Foakes played the handy knock of 38 runs and England went past 300 in just 55 overs. Wagner was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand as the left arm pacer bagged 4 wickets for 82 runs.

England declared their innings at 325 for good reasons. Knowing what the pink ball can do under lights, it was a good decision to bat through all day and score a good first innings total.

New Zealand In Trouble After Demolition From Swing King

England used conditions very well, getting decent swing under lights. Ollie Robinson removed Tom Latham for 1 run in 5th over. Jimmy Anderson didn’t start with new ball but when he came to bowl a few overs later, it was all mayhem for New Zealand.

Devon Conway survived his innings after nicking one through slips but Crawley couldn’t hold to it. A few minutes later, he dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson with an inswinging delivery. He didn’t have to wait long for his second wicket as Henry Nicholls couldn’t tackle the outswinging delivery which he nicked to Crawley in the slips.