Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell Unbeaten Stand Puts New Zealand In Driving Seat Against England

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell were both eyeing coveted hundreds at Lord's after batting New Zealand into a commanding position on Friday's second day of the first Test against England. In a match where bowlers on both sides had previously been on top, the pair's unbroken partnership of 180 took the World Test champions to 236 for four in their second innings at stumps, a lead of 227, after they had come together with New Zealand in trouble at 56 for four.

Mitchell was 97 not out and Blundell 90 not out -- the first two fifties of the match -- with the duo now having equalled New Zealand's record fifth-wicket stand against England, set by Martin Crowe and Shane Thomson at Lord's in 1994.

They compiled the first century partnership of this match in classic Test style, displaying a sound defence while punishing anything loose or too full.

Mitchell finished Friday's play in style, driving the last ball of the day, from England debutant Matthew Potts, for four to move to within three runs of a second hundred in 10 career Tests following his unbeaten 102 against Pakistan at Christchurch last year.

His alliance with wicketkeeper Blundell highlighted how a good pitch was blameless for the fact 17 wickets had fallen on Thursday.

Given England's struggle to make 141 in reply to New Zealand's first-innings 132, the visitors may already have enough runs to play with, even though there are still three days left in this opening contest of a three-Test series.

Earlier, Potts -- who enjoyed a superb first-innings return of four for 13 -- struck again with a pre-lunch burst Friday of two for 11 in four overs.

For the second time in the match, the 23-year-old Durham quick dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

Potts, who had