New Zealand (388 & 41/2) defeat England (303 & 122) by 8 wickets to take series by a 1-0 margin

New Zealand ended day two of the second Test in Edgbaston on 229/3, with Dan Lawrence's dismissal of Will Young in the final over of the day giving the hosts something to cheer about.

The visitors had to battle hard in the opening session as Dan Lawrence and Mark Wood built upon their partnership from the previous evening. Wood scored an excellent 41 before he was bowled by Matt Henry, as the hosts tried to push their first-innings score past the 300-run mark. An excellent knock of 81* by Lawrence ensured that England achieved this task, as Trent Boult wrapped up the tail by scalping the wickets of Stuart Broad and James Anderson.

England had a perfect start to their bowling charge as Broad trapped stand-in Kiwi skipper Tom Latham in front of his stumps, as they headed to lunch with a vital breakthrough.

Devon Conway, high on confidence after his debut double ton at Lord's, carried forward his good form in Birmingham. Joined at the crease by Will Young, the duo embarked on an excellent partnership in the second session, frustrating the English pacers. Conway brought up his half-century, looking set for another mammoth knock, as New Zealand headed into tea in a strong position at 130/1.

Broad again delivered the goods for the hosts when they needed him the most as Conway flicked one onto the leg-side straight into the hands of the fielder on the boundary ropes, as his excellent knock of 80 came to an end.

A maiden Test fifty for Young soon followed suit, as England sensed an opening with Ross Taylor looking tetchy in the initial phase of his innings. Taylor was adjudged LBW by the umpire off the bowling of Anderson, but successfully reviewed the call as ball tracking showed that the delivery was drifting past the leg stump.

The pair then kept their composure for the rest of the session, edging the visitors closer to England's first innings score of 303. But the part-time spin of Lawrence did the trick for the hosts in the final over of the day, as Young's patient knock of 82 came to an end.

New Zealand will begin day three trailing by 74 runs in the hope of establishing a reasonable first-innings lead, while England will hope for a few quick breakthroughs to swing the contest back in their favour.
 
Watching the highlights on BBC's Today at the Test.

Mark Wood was looking better than some of England's specialist batsmen, unfurled some beautiful pull shots. Him and Lawrence have kept England in the contest.

NZL however got a good platform to build on.
 
Bowling coach Jon Lewis admitted England were less than impressed by the decision to rule out an early New Zealand wicket as the Black Caps kept chances to a premium on day two of the second Test at Edgbaston.

The tourists would have been 32-2 in the 10th over had the on-field umpires given Devon Conway out when he edged Stuart Broad to third slip.

But there was enough uncertainty over Zak Crawley's low take to call for third umpire Michael Gough to review the replays.

Sky Sports pundits Rob Key and Simon Doull suggest a change in decision-making is needed after New Zealand's Devon Conway is reprieved on day two of the second Test.

As soon as Richard Kettleborough gave a 'soft signal' in the batsman's favour it was always likely to end in a reprieve, although the balance of doubt probably leaned in Broad's favour.

Broad was visibly fuming, and made his position clear, but New Zealand were free to put on another 105 runs before Conway fell to the same combination for 80. A Joe Root drop from the bat of Will Young would later cost England another 75 runs.

New Zealand lost only one further wicket before stumps, Young becoming part-time spinner Dan Lawrence's first Test scalp in the final over, to close just 74 behind on 229-3.

Lewis was sent out to speak for the team, with Broad perhaps wary of saying something that would invite further attention from father Chris, who is the ICC match referee.

The best of the action from day two of the second Test between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston
"You could see from the reaction on the field they were clearly frustrated by that," Lewis said of the decision.

"It's sport and it divides opinion. New Zealand will be happy, we will be frustrated. But the question really is, is the soft signal required? Should there be one, or could the guy off the field make the decision?

"You have to ask the question, is it necessary? Should you make life as easy as possible for the officials?"

Conway, who has taken to Test cricket like a natural after backing up a debut double century at Lord's last week, was more than happy to lean on the existing protocols.

"It was a tricky period when that happened...I nicked it and looked back because I wasn't 100 per cent sure if it did carry," he said of the incident.

"I stood there to wait and see if the umpire was going to give me out and fortunately the ruling went my way. I'm pretty grateful it perhaps bounced in front of the fielder and I'm pretty happy I got another chance.

"We've got technology to prove whether guys catch it or if it dropped short, why not use the technology if we have it?"

Broad's annoyance at being denied was the only minor blemish on a day where he was comfortably the pick of the bowlers and also managed to nip past West Indian great Courtney Walsh to stand alone as the sixth highest wicket-taker in Test history.

He nipped out Tom Latham and Conway, eventually, to move to 520 career scalps and might have deserved more than figures of 2-22 from 15 classy overs.

"He was outstanding, he bowled fantastically well, really put in a shift for the whole time and showed the way for the other guys," said Lewis.

Lawrence had started the day by finishing 81 not out, prevented from making a first century but later stepping up to take a maiden Test wicket instead.

"It was a real bonus wicket," Lewis added. "It will make our lives a little bit easier and gives us someone fresh to bowl at."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...on-conway-edge-off-stuart-broad-did-not-carry
 
Going to be a long day if this new ball doesn't bring a bunch of wickets. Anderson might take a month to recover.
 
Bracey struggling behind the stumps.

Wagner should enjoy this carry on offer. NZ should be making 400 from here.
 
Time's up for Jimmy.

I see an announcement coming in the next few weeks.
 
NZ are overwhelming favorites for the WTC final. We need a Gabba type miracle to stop them from lifting that trophy.
 
Ross Taylor throws it away right after drinks !

100 was there for the taking but flashes at one he didn't need to play. ENG badly needed that.
 
Should've been another. Bracey's keeping technique and lack of experience is being exposed unfortunately.
 
I just can't get myself up to watch two B teams going against each other.
 
England getting a bit of a pasting and a humbling from a very professional and well-oiled New Zealand side here.

Brilliant cricket all round from New Zealand; and terrible batting, bowling, fielding, catching, discipline, and selection from England.
 
I just can't get myself up to watch two B teams going against each other.

What are you talking about? Are you confused between this game and the SA v WI thread?

NZ are quality. Huge favourites against us. Their batting especially is one league above our flaky line-up.

Rohit and Gill are going to be our openers. :91:
 
England haven’t lost a Test series at home for quite a while. Think we are talking 6-7 years here. (But not entirely positive — someone can correct me.) Looks like this solid “Fortress England” record is about to be emphatically broken.
 
I just can't get myself up to watch two B teams going against each other.

Its not too bad. Englands bowling attack is decent and the NZ batting is quality. It seems like a full house and a passionate crowd too!
 
England haven’t lost a Test series at home for quite a while. Think we are talking 6-7 years here. (But not entirely positive — someone can correct me.) Looks like this solid “Fortress England” record is about to be emphatically broken.

7 years. Last lost to Sri Lanka in 2014. I don't think it's going to end this test. NZ just do not have enough X factor players to finish England off even when they are ahead.
 
ENG are being served the just dessert of arrogantly dismissing spin. The doctored flat pitches for so-called attritional cricket with Ashes in mind and absence of key test players further skewed it.

And still, ENG are not really out of this game yet esp if they keep NZ lead limited to <100
 
ENG are being served the just dessert of arrogantly dismissing spin. The doctored flat pitches for so-called attritional cricket with Ashes in mind and absence of key test players further skewed it.

And still, ENG are not really out of this game yet esp if they keep NZ lead limited to <100

Yeah but the problem then is they'd be playing only three seamers - one of them being a 38 year old Jimmy Anderson.

Without Stokes, Woakes and Curran (Stokes being the massive miss) ENG just cannot balance the side with a specialist spinner.
 
Stokes is a huge miss.

Buttler and Foakes both are far better than Bracey.

Woakes another miss but Robinson made up for him last test.

Archer not really. He would have anyways rested one test.
 
Yeah but the problem then is they'd be playing only three seamers - one of them being a 38 year old Jimmy Anderson.

Without Stokes, Woakes and Curran (Stokes being the massive miss) ENG just cannot balance the side with a specialist spinner.

This balance thing ENG keep obsessing over is way overstated, Could have easily benched Anderson for Leach and they'd have been served well in this match.
 
New Zealand struggling to build much of a lead so far. 32 ahead but 7 wickets down now.
 
Still, one massive plus for ENG has been they are now a lot more clearer about their best XI for the series against India

Sibley, Rory, Pope/bairstow, Root, Stokes, Lawrence, Buttler, Jofra/Wood/Curran, Leach, Broad/Robinson, Anderson/wood

Hell of a lot of depth for a long series.
 
New Zealand are clearly going through their golden period. They have enough replacement for transitioning from the oldies.

Conway looks a good solid opening prospect.

Will Young is a very compact middle order batsman.

Blundell is also a good attacking middle order keeper batsman, in the mould of McCullum.

Jamieson is a terrific test bowler.
 
Newzealand won't make more than 400, If England gives them a Target of 220+ then it will be challenging, but the biggest problem is that Mr Joe Root didn't select a single spinner.
 
Wow.... Newzealand tailenders are as incompetent as ours. :yk
This will help us a lot considering the fact that we usually fail to dismiss the tailenders.
 
Wow.... Newzealand tailenders are as incompetent as ours. :yk
This will help us a lot considering the fact that we usually fail to dismiss the tailenders.

They are missing Southee and Jamieson. Both are good with the bat. Don't get too excited, lol.
 
Wow.... Newzealand tailenders are as incompetent as ours. :yk
This will help us a lot considering the fact that we usually fail to dismiss the tailenders.

They are incompetent because Jamieson and Southee are rested. Jamieson and de grandhomme batting made the difference in the NZ series last year. It is actually one of our major concerns going in the WTC. We will get rid of their main batsman but the lower order can hurt us once the bowl goes soft.
 
They are missing Southee and Jamieson. Both are good with the bat. Don't get too excited, lol.

They are incompetent because Jamieson and Southee are rested. Jamieson and de grandhomme batting made the difference in the NZ series last year. It is actually one of our major concerns going in the WTC. We will get rid of their main batsman but the lower order can hurt us once the bowl goes soft.

No. 7
Jadeja > Jamieson

No. 8
Ashwin >> Southee

Boult, Patel and Wagner are incompetent with the bat.

Also, Darryl Mitchell is playing in place of Jamieson here and he is definitely better than him with the bat
 
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No. 7
Jadeja > Jamieson

No. 8
Ashwin >> Southee

Boult, Patel and Wagner are incompetent with the bat.

Also, Darryl Mitchell is playing in place of Jamieson here and he is definitely better than him with the bat

It will be de grandhomme at 7. Wagner won't play in XI. Boult, Southee, Jamieson, Ajaz and de grandhomme.
 
New Zealand are clearly going through their golden period. They have enough replacement for transitioning from the oldies.

Conway looks a good solid opening prospect.

Will Young is a very compact middle order batsman.

Blundell is also a good attacking middle order keeper batsman, in the mould of McCullum.

Jamieson is a terrific test bowler.

Yes.
Very good bench strength.
Now selection headaches to pick final XI for WTC final, both Jamieson and Williamson will back.

Will Blundell get a chance?
Wagner or Henry?
Grandhomme or Daryl Mitchell?
 
Crowd really enjoying themselves....in good 'spirits'.....:).....
so boult bats right and bowls left handed....i can think of ashish nehra....who did the same...any one else?
 
Yes.
Very good bench strength.
Now selection headaches to pick final XI for WTC final, both Jamieson and Williamson will back.

Will Blundell get a chance?
Wagner or Henry?
Grandhomme or Daryl Mitchell?

I don't think there is any selection headache for them.

It is clear that they rested Jamieson, Grandhomme and Southee so that they stay fresh for finals and will be in XI. Ajaz Patel has made it easier for them too as he is their best spinner. Boult is obvious pick.

Blundell will replace Watling after retirement.
 
I don't think there is any selection headache for them.

It is clear that they rested Jamieson, Grandhomme and Southee so that they stay fresh for finals and will be in XI. Ajaz Patel has made it easier for them too as he is their best spinner. Boult is obvious pick.

Blundell will replace Watling after retirement.

Not fair to leave Blundell and Henry after good performance.
 
Wagner will definitely play at Southampton.
Southampton is an ideal place for bowlers like him especially in the second innings.

At no 7, it will be between Grandhomme and the guy who batted at that position today. Think it will be Grandhomme because they will pick Ajaz Patel as their main spinner.

Wagner's average performance and performances of other three pacers and Ajaz has made it easier for them to drop him. They won't risk their batting to bring Wagner in, especially after the lack of performances and he would also be tired now with two back-to-back tests.
 
I don't think there is any selection headache for them.

It is clear that they rested Jamieson, Grandhomme and Southee so that they stay fresh for finals and will be in XI. Ajaz Patel has made it easier for them too as he is their best spinner. Boult is obvious pick.

Blundell will replace Watling after retirement.

With that attack am not too confident in our guys., Hitman and gillo dont inspire much confidence.....and hopefully our middle order will run them ragged....may be considering the occasion could have KL opening with hit man....
 
With that attack am not too confident in our guys., Hitman and gillo dont inspire much confidence.....and hopefully our middle order will run them ragged....may be considering the occasion could have KL opening with hit man....

KL is seen as middle order batsman in tests. If any of opener gets injured, Mayank will start and that doesn't inspire enough confidence because he has been all in sea with his poor technique over the last year or so.
 
What are you talking about? Are you confused between this game and the SA v WI thread?

NZ are quality. Huge favourites against us. Their batting especially is one league above our flaky line-up.

Rohit and Gill are going to be our openers. :91:

Just too many players missing for England.
Yes the crowed are loving it and what's not to like?
Sun is out the weather is hot and the alcohol is flowing plus this is the first time in over 14 months when 18,000 people have been allowed into one stadium in England..

So plenty of positives.

Having said that where are Stokes, Butler, SCurran, Moeen, and even Bairstow?
Also Jamiesen and Souther rested after just one game?
 
Also funny how this thread is being used to discuss who will play in the WTC final...
 
KL is seen as middle order batsman in tests. If any of opener gets injured, Mayank will start and that doesn't inspire enough confidence because he has been all in sea with his poor technique over the last year or so.

Yep...he's one guy who's technique was pathetic in Aus....well if any one has to open id rather KL than mayank....
 
This rory burns is worse than all the openers Pak have tried over the years including shan masood
 
This rory burns is worse than all the openers Pak have tried over the years including shan masood

Rory Burns saved this series.
Without him England would have lost the first test, even in second test he played well.
 
Burns gone already.

England feeling the pressure.
 
Rory Burns saved this series.
Without him England would have lost the first test, even in second test he played well.

I've seen him play enough to make the claim I did.
He took at least 4 lives to score a hundred last game.
 
Henry get another wicket but can he find a place in NZ side vs INDIA in WTC finale?
 
Lol Indian bowlers must be licking their lips watching these English batsmen struggle to get bat on ball in their own den
 
Lol Indian bowlers must be licking their lips watching these English batsmen struggle to get bat on ball in their own den

Nah.
Reality will be different.
Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Buttler, Archer will back for India series.
 
England's best XI is

Burns
Sibley
Crawley
Root
Stokes
Buttler(wkt)
Woakes
Archer/Wood
Broad
Leech
Anderson

So, they are missing Stokes, Buttler, Woakes and Leech.

Wood and Archer would have played one test each and rested the other.
 
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No. 7
Jadeja > Jamieson

No. 8
Ashwin >> Southee

Boult, Patel and Wagner are incompetent with the bat.

Also, Darryl Mitchell is playing in place of Jamieson here and he is definitely better than him with the bat

Jamieson has never batted at 7 and Southee bats at 9.
 
Nah.
Reality will be different.
Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Buttler, Archer will back for India series.

Stokes n buttler are no legends of test cricket.
Top 3 of burns sibley and Crawley makes India the favorites to win this series.
 
They are missing Southee and Jamieson. Both are good with the bat. Don't get too excited, lol.

Jamieson has never batted at 7 and Southee bats at 9.
That's because Mitchell Santner plays at 7, but looking at how he did in the first match you might have to go with Azaz Patel(especially bcoz its Southampton) .
Going without a Spinner won't be a good idea.
Secondly, do you think Nz will take the risk of not playing Wagner?
 
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They are missing Southee and Jamieson. Both are good with the bat. Don't get too excited, lol.

At no 7, it will be between Grandhomme and the guy who batted at that position today. Think it will be Grandhomme because they will pick Ajaz Patel as their main spinner.

Wagner's average performance and performances of other three pacers and Ajaz has made it easier for them to drop him. They won't risk their batting to bring Wagner in, especially after the lack of performances and he would also be tired now with two back-to-back tests.
Southampton is usually comparatively flatter
than other venues in England, so I am not sure if De Grandhomme will be picked. Let's see what Kiwis decide.
 
There are few former players in that english commentary box who will still bat better than this top 3
 
So many selection headaches for NZ lol.

Taylor or Young or Nicholls?

Watling or Blundell?

Henry or Wagner or Jamieson?

Ajaz Patel or Santner ?

De Grandhomme or Daryl Mitchell?
 
I dearly hope Stokes, Butler, Archer and Woakes return for the series against us.

Only thing worse than a SENA loss is a SENA win with an "asterisk"... :uak
 
Eng under pressure here. They would need to score atleast 280+ here to give themselves a reasonable chance with a target of 200 odd for NZ to chase in 4th.
 
Looking down and out England.

5 down, over to Root.
 
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