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.

After all, New Zealand have not lost a home series in the past five years and while the mace may be changing hands soon, world champion status is still theirs. It was built on days like the second witnessed here at the Bay Oval, as Tom Blundell’s career-best 138 dragged them to within 19 runs of England’s first innings 325 for nine declared.

Ollie Robinson’s stock overseas continued its rise with four wickets, while Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad drew level with Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath’s 1,001 Test wickets in tandem. But through Blundell’s 181-ball vigil – one built on diligent defence before a spunky late flourish – the roles from the previous evening were reversed: England were the team facing a trial under lights.

Needless to say they once again walked towards the danger, sending repeated flashes of pink across the outfield to reach 79 for two at the close. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett both fell in the twenties during this latest raid, the former’s demise offering Broad his first chance to be the so-called Nighthawk.

It didn’t quite live up to the billing, Broad walking off unbeaten at the close on six from 13 balls. That said, it was not without a moment to remember when Broad sent a top-edge high into the night sky and both Scott Kuggeleijn, the bowler, and Blundell, now with his keeping gloves on, left it for each other.

A bumper crowd that had been able to enjoy the morning with sand between the toes was served an enthralling contest; the kind of day that led