England v New Zealand First Test: Lord's Day 2

Honours even after England fight back on day 2.

After a slow day at the crease on day 1, England provided little more to their total on day 2. More of the same as Root and Bairstow both played some thrilling shots and made it to 40 and 41 respectively but failed to convert their innings into a more meaningful score. What was most disappointing was the final order collapse of the England batsmen. Root managed to clip an edge down the leg side and from then on the New Zealand bowlers dominated proceedings. Prior fell to Southee lbw first ball whilst Broad only managed to face 3 balls before falling to a plumb lbw. From then on England were skittled out for 232.

Praise must go to the high quality young New Zealand pace attack as Southee and Wagner showed that discipline, swing and a consistent line will reap rewards. 

New Zealand found the slow pitch a struggle to begin with as they lost their opening batsmen cheaply to a rampant Jimmy Anderson, who profited from the ball swinging, as he took his 300th Test Match wicket becoming the fourth highest England Test Match wicket taker of all time. A quickfire 66 from 72 balls from Ross Taylor gave New Zealand a much needed boost to their score but fell to that man Anderson lbw. Steve Finn chipped in with a successful lbw review which left New Zealand 153 for 4 at the close of play. 

Honours even then after two days at Lord's as both teams struggle to score on the slow pitch whilst the pace bowlers profit from the ball swinging. Michael Vaughan believes that England have managed to post a 'competitive total'. However, the game seems to be hanging in the balance as the match could depend on how well the New Zealand middle order do on day 3 with Williamson on 44* and McCullum entering the frame. 

The second day was fairly even with both teams taking crucial wickets. However, if England can take early wickets on day three then they will gain the advantage going into the second innings.

Player of the day: Jimmy Anderson for taking his 300th Test wicket and the quick removal of the New Zealand opening order. Figures of 3 wickets for 32 runs and 7 maiden overs reflects what an important player Anderson is the England bowling attack.