A brave declaration from English Captain Ben Stokes and brilliant bowling spells from James Anderson and Jack Leach led England to a comfortable position in the second Test against New Zealand. James Anderson and Jack Leach split six wickets as England bowled themselves into a dominant position on day two of their series-deciding second Test against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope’s two amazing catches stole the moment for the crowd.
Ollie Pope’s fantastic catches dismissed Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholas. In the 25th over of Kiwi’s first innings, Nicholas tried to reverse sweep on Jack Leach’s delivery but got a thick edge. Ball went towards Pope, who was on Short leg. He grabbed the ball in no time and dismissed Nicholas for 30.
Here is the video
It's that man again ?
Leachy with another breakthrough after Ollie Pope's fantastic reactions ?
Henry Nicholls is gone for 30… #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/n8cTfDfIQd
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 25, 2023
Earlier, England started from where they resumed on the day and lost Harry Brook and Joe Root in quick succession. However, Ben Stokes decided to declare the innings for 435 to 8 in 87.1 overs. Brook scored 186 runs off 176 balls, while Joe Root smashed 153 runs off 224 balls.
James Anderson tears apart the Kiwi batting lineup
Ace pacer, James Anderson and spinner Jack Leach troubled hosts with their brilliant bowling efforts. Anderson took three wickets while Leach also got as many wickets. Anderson dismissed Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Will Young. Conway got caught behind by Ben Foakes for a duck while Williamson scored only 4 runs before getting dismissed by Jimmy.
Meanwhile, Jack Leach dismissed Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Henry Nicholas cheaply to restrict hosts to 138 for 7 at the end of Day 2. Captain Tim Southee and Tom Blundell are, currently, out there at the crease. Southee scored 23 runs off 18 balls while Blundell scored 25 runs off 55 balls. Notably, England is leading the two-match Test series by 1-0 as they have defeated the hosts in the first test by huge 267 runs in Mount Maunganui.
