BLUNDELL TON DRAGS NEW ZEALAND BACK INTO FIGHT ON A HISTORIC DAY

A FANTASTIC century from New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell dragged New Zealand back into the First Test at Mount Maunganui, before a late blitz from England saw them finish day two 98 runs ahead for the loss of two wickets.

- Cameron Ponsonby

It would not be fun if it was always easy. For the past 10 Tests, England have had the Midas touch as every hunch and gamble has paid off handsomely, but today they were made to work for their advantage on a day when James Anderson and Stuart Broad equalled the record for the most wickets taken in tandem in Test cricket. The pair took a wicket apiece today to reach 1,001 in Tests they have played together, equalling the record of Australia greats Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne

“There’s not really words to express how impressive it is,” said Ollie Robinson on Broad and Anderson’s achievement. “To be on the field with them is a privilege for me and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

“I think it was pretty even in the end,” Robinson continued, having finished the day’s play with figures of four for 58. “The ball nipped around a little bit in the first session and then I think with these pink balls, they can go flat and not be very responsive off the wicket, so it was hard in the second session. Tom obviously played really well and got them back in the game.”