Mitchell, Blundell step up as New Zealand lead England by 119 runs at tea

LONDON :A 72-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell helped New Zealand stretch their lead over England to 119 runs at tea on the second day of a low-scoring first test at Lord's on Friday.

New Zealand were 128-4 in the second innings before the end of the afternoon session, having been bundled out for 132 in the first innings.

All-rounder Mitchell (43 not out) struck five boundaries in a formidable batting display, which came as a relief to the Black Caps who crumbled against England's fast bowlers in the first innings.

After wickets tumbled on the opening day and the first session on day two, there was a sense of calm in the afternoon as New Zealand lost just one wicket and finally found a firm batting partnership.

The reigning world test champions, who were 38-3 at lunch, lost Devon Conway (13) in the 23rd over of the second innings after the returning Stuart Broad strangled him down legside.

Conway's departure brought an end to his 9.3 overs-partnership with Mitchell, which looked promising.

Mitchell, nonetheless, combined well with wicket-keeper batsman Blundell (39 not out) as the visitors kept the test evenly poised ahead of the final session on day two.

Mitchell and Blundell's sturdy middle-order partnership forced new captain Ben Stokes to introduce spin as Matthew Parkinson, brought in as a concussion replacement for Jack Leach, bowled in the longest format for England for the first time.

England, led by new head coach Brendon McCullum, have won just one of their previous 17 tests and are aiming to move on from their dismal tours of the Caribbean and Australia.

They will host New Zealand in two more tests after the contest at Lord's.