3rd Test: Bairstow, Overton rescue England after Boult fireworks
runs to their overnight total, led by the in-form Daryl Mitchell (109).
Mitchell’s century continued a fine individual series with the bat for the Kiwis, and he was ably supported by Tim Southee’s quickfire 33 to help the score pass 300. Jack Leach dismissed both batters and took the final wicket of Neil Wagner to finish with a five-wicket haul and figures of 5/100.
Trent Boult, on the other hand, rattled England’s top order, raising New Zealand’s hopes. Boult ripped through England’s top order, bowling Alex Lees (4), Ollie Pope (5), and Zak Crawley (6) to put the hosts in serious trouble.
When Tim Southee caught Joe Root behind for just five runs, England appeared to be heading for a massive first-innings deficit.
After tea, Ben Stokes’ extraordinary 13-ball 18 came to an end when he charged Wagner and chipped a catch to Kane Williamson, with Ben Foakes departing for a duck just three balls later.
At 55/6 and with the first of England’s specialist bowlers at the crease, it appeared that a follow-on might be an option for New Zealand on day two.
But Bairstow and Overton had other plans, and they put the hosts in a position to take the first innings lead.
(Inputs from IANS)
