England fought to maintain control of the first day-night Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, despite a superb counter-attacking century from Tom Blundell. The hosts were bowled out for 306 in reply to England's 325 for nine declared, leaving the visitors with a slender 19-run first-innings lead.
Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad reached a historic milestone when they equalled the 1,001 Test wickets as a partnership previously held by Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. However, the moment was somewhat overshadowed by New Zealand's fightback, led by Blundell's 138, which dragged the world champions back into the contest.
England had looked dominant when New Zealand slumped to 83 for five and later 182 for seven, but Blundell marshalled the tail with impressive composure. He shared a crucial stand of 59 for the last wicket with Blair Tickner, reducing the deficit to just 19 runs before Anderson took the final catch off his own bowling.
In their second innings, England adopted their usual aggressive approach under the lights, losing both openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley cheaply. Stuart Broad was promoted as a 'nighthawk' and survived a dramatic moment when his slog was dropped by both bowler and wicketkeeper. England closed on 79 for two, a lead of 98, with the match finely poised.
Ollie Robinson was the pick of England's bowlers with four wickets, while Ben Stokes used his short-ball tactics to dismiss Devon Conway. Blundell, who had a prolific series against England last year, was instrumental in keeping New Zealand in the game, and the hosts will feel they have a real chance of victory on day three.
