England declared on 287-5 giving them a lead of 467 over New Zealand. Graeme Swann takes four wickets as New Zealand close day four on 158-6 and 310 runs behind.
England began the morning session with a lead of 296 runs so it was a matter of when Cook (130) would declare. It wasn't to be soon as both Cook and Trott (76) scored quickly whilst Cook completed a classy century as England made it to 142-1. As England made it to 175-1 the partnership between Cook and Trott passed the 100 mark. Trott then completed his fifty leading England to 195-1. The day's first wicket fell when Cook was caught after Williamson floated one up to leave England 206-2. Bell (6) soon followed as Southee was able to take the catch from a Williamson delivery reducing England to 214-3. Trott and Root (28) then guided England safely to lunch at 249-3.
Straight after lunch, Trott edged behind off Wagner to leave England 249-4. Wagner then took another wicket as Root was caught in the field. Bairstow (26*) and Prior (4*) put on another twenty runs before Cook decided to declare on 287-5 which meant New Zealand would need 468 runs to win.
It wasn't long before New Zealand lost their first wicket as Broad dismissed Fulton (5) leaving the visitors 21-1. Swann then took two wickets before tea, dismissing Williamson (3) lbw and the dangerous Rutherford (42) after a thick edge onto the pad was caught which left New Zealand 68-3.
Taylor (70) and Brownlie (25) looked to have found some stability as Taylor made it to 50. However, some hostile bowling from Finn eventually dismissed Brownlie after being caught out by a bouncer. Swann took two more wickets before the end of play as Guptill (3) edged into the slips whilst Taylor was bowled which left New Zealand on 154-6 at the close of play and 310 runs behind.
Player of the Day: Graeme Swann for taking four vital wickets which helped England get closer to winning the match.
No comments:
Post a Comment