England v New Zealand Second Test: Headingley Day 2

Late New Zealand fightback limits England to 337-7 - Root maiden century

Joe Root (104) made his first century for England after an up and down day for the hosts. Trent Boult (3-48) took three quick wickets with the second new ball of the day within the last hour of play to keep New Zealand in the hunt.



England won the toss and elected to bat first but Nick Compton (1) was quickly dismissed at the end of the third over by Tim Southee after a clear edge was caught in the slips, leaving England 11-1. It then looked comfortable for England as Trott (28) and Cook (34) kept ticking the runs over throughout the morning session. However, both were gone in the space of two balls five minutes before play closed for lunch as Trott nicked a forward drive whist Cook was caught out after a thick edge to leave England 67-3 at lunch.

Joe Root (104) and Ian Bell (30) made a good start to their innings as play resumed after lunch. Yet, Bell was eventually given out lbw by the umpire to which a successful review saw the decision overturned. After good progress, Bell nicked a small edge behind leaving England 146-4. To the utter delight of the crowd, Root made it to his fifty and England finished on 178-4 at Tea.

In an eventful evening session, Bairstow (64) quickly made it to his fifty which in turn saw a vital 100 run partnership between the two Yorkshireman. Then came the joyous moment the crowd waited all day for as Root made his first century for England after an edge ran to the boundary for four. New Zealand took the new ball as soon as it was offered with an hour's play left until the close. Root's magical day came to an end from the first delivery of the new ball as Trent Boult's pace was enough to see Root nick a slight edge behind. Boult then took a further two quick wickets in a spell of three overs which saw both Bairstow and Broad (0) depart, leaving England 286-7 with an hour left to play. Prior (38*) and Swann (21*) were able to put on a fast 50 run partnership to help guide England home without any further damage to rescue a dangerous situation which left England on 337-7 at the close of play.

Player of the day: Joe Root (104)
This could only go to one player today as much to the delight of the home crowd, Root showed patience, quality and composure to score his first century for England.