1st Test: Blundell leads New Zealand fightback against England
The tourists held a 98-run lead with eight second-innings wickets in hand and still three days to play in a fast-moving day-night Test at the Bay Oval.
Stuart Broad Sport News
Blundell leads New Zealand fightback in England first Test
A rollicking Tom Blundell century propelled New Zealand back into contention before two late England batting stumbles left the first Test tantalisingly poised at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
Tom Blundell’s hundred gives New Zealand hope but England forge ahead
There may be a strong Kiwi influence underpinning England’s electric approach to Test cricket these days but, on the eve of this series opener, Tim Southee stressed his New Zealand team would not be veering from their own tried and trusted approach.
Conway digs in for half-century as England turn screws on New Zealand
Devon Conway hung tough for a half-century after England grabbed two wickets to leave New Zealand 138 for five at tea on the second day of the first pink ball test in Mount Maunganui on Friday.
England in command of first test as 'Bazball' hits New Zealand
:A swashbuckling England raced to a sporting total with the bat then crashed through New Zealand's top order as "Bazball" made its pink ball debut on day one of the first test in Mount Maunganui on Thursday.
Ben Stokes hopes counties take up 'Bazball' mantle
England have won nine of their last 10 Tests since captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum took charge last year and imbued the team's batsmen with an attacking mindset.The England Lions, the country's second-tier team, have taken up the mantle, with Jamie Smith smashing 126 from 82 balls in the first innings of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka 'A' last week.Opener Alex Lees, who was dropped from Stokes's England last year after struggling for runs, scored 97 from 113 balls in the same innings for the Lions in another knock straight out of the 'Bazball' playbook.
England captain Stokes hopes counties take up 'Bazball' mantle
Ben Stokes hopes the 'Bazball' revolution that has shaken up test cricket and led an English resurgence can also fire up the domestic county game.
England's Stuart Broad returns for first Test against New Zealand
Stuart Broad on Wednesday for this week's first Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, reuniting his strike partnership with veteran James Anderson.Broad, who has 566 Test wickets, will lead the attack alongside 40-year-old Anderson, England's all-time leading bowler with 675 dismissals and seamer Ollie Robinson.Skipper and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who will lead England in the country of his birth for the first time, will be the fourth seam option with spinner Jack Leach completing the bowling attack for the day-night encounter beginning Thursday.The 36-year-old Broad missed the 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan in December following the birth of his child.