Dawn Lawrence’s unbeaten half-century by opener Rory Burns helped England overcome a difficult situation and put on 258 for seven on the first day of the second and final cricket test against New Zealand. Despite Burns’ 81 in the first Test, England were in trouble after losing six wickets for 175.
Lawrence (67 not out) and Ally Stone (20) shared 47 runs for the seventh wicket and Mark Wood (16 not out) with 36 runs for the eighth wicket. Lawrence has hit 11 boundaries in his innings. In addition to New Zealand fast bowlers Matt Henry and Trent Boult, spinner Ijaz Patel also took two wickets. Burns got off to a good start with Dom Sibley (35) adding 72 for the first wicket.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers made a comeback with four wickets for 85 in the second session. In the first session, England scored 67 without losing a wicket, but after lunch, Henry was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell in the final delivery of the first over. Daryl Mitchell caught Jack Crowley in Wagner’s next over. He could not even open an account. Henry then took the captain Joe Root for a four-run score in the hands of Blundell and England took three wickets. Patel gave England a fourth blow by taking on Allie Pope (19), who caught Blundell in the final half hour before tea.
The Indian team announced the tour of Sri Lanka and the captaincy was handed over to Shikhar Dhawan
At the start of the final session, Boult sent Burns and James Bracey (00) to the pavilion, but Lawrence took control of the innings with a lower order. Burns faced 187 deliveries and struck out 10 boundaries. In the morning session, New Zealand captain Tom Latham tried five bowlers but none of them brought success to the team. New Zealand have gone into the match without wicketkeeper batsman BJ Watling, who failed to recover from back pressure. Blundell took his place.
Regular New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is not part of the playing XI. In his stead, Latham is taking on leadership responsibility. Here are six changes to the New Zealand squad, including the return of fast bowler Trent Boult. England have made a change to replace suspended fast bowler Ally Robinson, with Ally Stone in the side. James Anderson became the most Test-playing cricketer in England shortly after the match. This is his 162nd Test.
Ally Robinson has retired from cricket, England have been suspended following controversial tweets
