New Zealand VS England Test Series 
1st Test Played at Lords, England From 3 -7 June 2022
Brief Score Card at Stumps Day Two: 
New Zealand 1st Innings 132 All Out in 40 Overs (Colin de Grandhomme 42*, Tim Southee 26, Trent Boult 14, Tom Blundell 14, Matthew Potts 4/13, James Anderson 4/66) 
New Zealand 2nd Innings 236/4 in 79 Overs (Daryl Mitchell 97*, Tom Blundell 90*, Kane Williamson 15, Matthew Potts 2/50, Stuart Broad 1/47, James Anderson 1/49) 
England 1st Innings 141 All Out in 42.5 Overs (Zak Crawley 43, Alex Hales 25 , Extras 22, Trent Boult 3/21, Kyle Jamieson 2/20, Tim Southee 4/55) 

New Zealand leads by 227 runs with 6-second innings wicket at hand. 

A brilliant 180 runs unconquered 5th wicket partnership between Mitchell (97*) and Blundell (90*) not only salvaged New Zealand innings from a dire state ( 4/56 ) but also elevated them to a position of comfort. With 227 runs lead having 6 second innings wicket at hand they look in complete control of the Lords test. It was a brilliant turning around. 17 wickets fell on day one, 6 within the first hour of day two. None could predict where the test stands at stumps of day two. New Zealand would move to command if they can add another 150-160 runs. 

England started day two at 116/7 still 16 runs in arrears. Southee (4/55) and Boult (3/21) did not take much time to wrap up home teams innings with a slender lead of 9. However, Anderson and Potts once again clipped the wings of the Kiwis reducing them to 3/ 35 (Young, Williamson and Latham all gone). Conway was also picked up by Broad soon making it 4/56. 
A repeat of the first innings was in the offing. But Mitchell and Blundell with their backs to wall batting superbly ended the day adding 180 runs in the unfinished 5th wicket partnership. Mitchell at 97 and Blundell at 90 are looking great from inscribing their names at the honors board of Lords a dream achievement for any player scoring 100 or taking 5 wickets haul in an innings. With 227 runs lead Kiwis are in the control of the match. Wicket appeared to have lost some bite. Visitors would look for at least 400 runs lead to put the home team under pressure. 

Still, there is a lot to play for in the test. Another collapse of Kiwis in the first session today can also turn the tide who knows. But one must stand up and applaud the way Mitchell and Blundell batted.  A great exhibition of class, concentration and commitment. England left nothing unturned to dislodge them. 

BDST: 1245 HRS, JUN 4, 2022
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