New Zealand added 107 runs in the first session and declared during the lunch interval. They set England a target of 273 and gave themselves 75 overs to shoot the hosts out. However, Dom Sibley’s stoic unbeaten 60 and Joe Root’s 40 helped England secure a rather comfortable draw.
The day started with New Zealand in the driver’s seat, and they were the ones who had a realistic chance of winning. The draw still look like the most favourable result but the Kiwis could really dictate terms and put pressure on England.
Nightwatchman Neil Wagner kickstarted the day with a couple of boundaries in the second over before Ollie Robinson continued his dream debut as he bounced out the left-hander. However, Ross Taylor came out swinging as he slogged his way to 33. Tom Latham didn’t really force the pace and he was out LBW to give Stuart Broad his first wicket of the Test match.
Inside the first hour, New Zealand lost two wickets, but they kept the momentum going. None of them really blasted out, but they put on 107 runs in 22.2 overs before a drizzle forced the umpires to take early lunch. That’s when the Kiwis decided to declare and get England in.
Post lunch, when the England openers walked out to bat, it seemed like we have a match on out hands. 273 runs in 75 overs with two extended sessions in store, England did have a chance of chasing it down. However, Joe Root and his men decided just to shut shop and played out the two sessions.
The New Zealand fast bowlers were right on the money and spot on with their lines and lengths. Tim Southee bowled consistently while Kyle Jamieson bowled five maidens in a row to start his first spell before conceding a run off his 36th delivery. Rory Burns and Dom Sibley were very watchful. The duo batted out 23.4 overs before Wagner had Burns caught at second slip. The premier Kiwis Test bowler had troubled Burns throughout the spell and finally got a reward for persistence as Southee held on to a stunner at second slip.
Southee came back for his third spell and dismissed Zak Crawley for the second time in the match. At 56/2, England were in a slight spot of bother. One more wicket and the inexperienced middle-order who were also short on confidence would’ve been exposed. However, Sibley and skipper Root batted stoically and added 80 runs for the third wicket. Moreover, they played out 25 overs. Wagner bowled his heart out and he was rewarded with the wicket of Root late in the day.
Kane Williamson and co decided to shake hands after England played out 70 overs. Sibley remained unbeaten on 60 while Ollie Pope walked in at No. 5 and scored an unbeaten 20.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 378 (Conway 200, Robinson 4/75) and 169/6 decl (Latham 36, Robinson 3/26) drew with England 275 (Burns 132, Southee 6/43) and 170/3 (Sibley 60*, Wagner 2/27)
