England tour of New Zealand

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In a contest where New Zealand have largely been playing catch-up, Tom Blundell's 138 helped the hosts close in on England's first innings score. The visitors then propelled further ahead in the last session of the second day, heading to stumps on 79 for 2 in their second essay, holding a 98-run lead in the first Test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Reports

England stretch lead after Blundell ton

@CricAdvisor[York] February 17, 2023

Led by Ben Duckett's brisk 68-ball 84, England made a quick start to the first Test against New Zealand, heading to Tea at 134 for 2 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Thursday. The hard-hitting southpaw crunched 14 boundaries en route to his fifth Test half-century.

Reports

Duckett’s breezy 84 helps England make quick start

@CricAdvisor[York] February 16, 2023

About 20 minutes away from the Bay Oval in Tauranga, the scene of the first Test between New Zealand and England, lives Trent Boult. A left-arm swing bowler with an experience of 78 Tests and 317 wickets in his kitty would have created enough jeopardy to keep any visiting side on guard, let alone one that last won a Test on these shores in 2008. But Boult, 33, is a T20 freelancer now and New Zealand have passed up the opportunity to call-up a bowler who turned his back on a central contract last year.

Tips & Analysis

Bazball meets pink ball as England take aim at New Zealand’s home record

@CricAdvisor[Jimmy] February 15, 2023