BUMBLE ON THE TEST: Ben Stokes takes a gamble with the follow-on as it’s a toss-up for Stuart Broad in Wellington… and do New Zealand lack the ‘Bazball’ tools?
England faced some stubborn resistance in New Zealand after enforcing the series-deciding second Test in Wellington, and had Jack Leach to thank for two wickets in the final session.
Captain Ben Stokes sent the hosts straight back after securing a 226-run first-innings lead on the third morning, but faced real determination in the form of an opening stand of 149 by Tom Latham and Devon Conway.
It took 53 hapless overs before they were finally separated from Leach, Ollie Pope sticking with Conway at short leg, as England rallied after tea to leave New Zealand 202 for three.
The Somerset spinner clean bowled Will Young in classic fashion and Joe Root trapped Latham for a well-judged 83, but with the deficit at 24 and seven wickets in hand, the Black Caps had staged a magnificent comeback.
David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd looks back on day three of the second Test.
England captain Ben Stokes forced the follow-on in the series-deciding second Test
Ben’s big bet
I was surprised that Ben Stokes forced the follow-on as the modern way is to bat again, put the opposition out on a worn out pitch and then bowl them back in the final innings.
With little wear on the surface, the spinners come straight into play late at Basin Reserve
The Kiwi conundrum
There has been a lot of discussion on social media about England’s methods and whether they could play in such a manner against the great West Indies team of the 1980s. It provoked a thought.
New Zealand can’t emulate England’s style because they are cautious with Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson?
Or do they just not have the tools?
Breeze for Broad
In windy Wellington, there is an edge to bowl. In general, you don’t want the other! Jimmy Anderson got the first kicks, of course.
Some bowlers adjust to bowling in a breeze, though, and it can give the ball a bit more swing, so Stuart Broad probably wasn’t too confused.
The way he bowls, it doesn’t seem to matter which end you give him.
England paceman Stuart Broad (above) had to step into the breeze in Wellington
I enjoy my salad days
Apparently there aren’t any left in the stores, so I’m growing my own! I have lots of lettuce on the go, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
The only problem is, like in Test cricket, you need time to grow things in a greenhouse. I am also in the process of setting up a trough for my strawberries to go in.
This machine was released in 82 parts. In the package was a pretty lady with a screwdriver and a warning assembly would take half an hour.
Six hours later…
Family first for Pat
Australia were in disarray in India but captain Pat Cummins pulled through, leaving the tour to be with his ailing mother.
The family comes first in a game of cricket every time. On the pitch, Australia found themselves wanting against spin.
Things will be much clearer for them here this summer. I can not wait.